Sons of Issachar Newsletter: January 7, 2026

Written By Justin Scaggs

1. Escalating Tensions in the Middle East: Strikes in Lebanon and Major U.S. Operation in Syria

What happened: The region saw persistent volatility. On December 4, Israel conducted strikes in southern Lebanese towns, followed by ongoing diplomatic friction over ceasefire enforcement and Hezbollah disarmament proposals. Separately, on December 19, the U.S. launched "Operation Hawkeye Strike"—a large-scale retaliatory operation hitting over 70 ISIS targets across central Syria (including areas near Palmyra, Deir ez-Zor, and Raqqa) with fighter jets, helicopters, and artillery. This followed a December attack that killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter, marking a significant escalation in counter-ISIS actions.

Biblical lens: Persistent volatility around Israel’s northern border fits the broader pattern of “distress of nations” (Luke 21:25–26) and the prophetic focus on Jerusalem and its surrounding enemies in the latter days (Zechariah 12:2–3).

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2. Ukraine: Apparent Progress in Peace Talks and Security Guarantees

What happened: Late December saw reports of incremental progress in U.S.-Russia discussions, high-level Trump-Zelenskiy engagement, and allied summits focused on concrete NATO-style security guarantees and monitoring arrangements.

Biblical lens: While temporary arrangements may emerge, Scripture reminds us that true and lasting peace will not prevail until the Prince of Peace returns (Isaiah 9:6–7). Until then, we live in a world that cannot be permanently shaken only by the coming Kingdom (Hebrews 12:26–28).

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3. Digital Identity and Cross-Border Trust Frameworks

What happened: Canada and the EU deepened cooperation on AI governance and interoperable digital credentials/trust services, with industry groups welcoming the alignment for smoother cross-border adoption. 2026 is scheduled to be the year widespread, nearly global, digital biometric IDs are adopted and implemented worldwide.

Biblical lens: Interoperable digital identity systems can serve legitimate purposes today, yet they also lay technical rails that could one day enable coercive global commerce control (Revelation 13:16–17).Wisdom calls us to pay attention to access gates and “off-ramps” for dissenters.

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4. Surveillance Expansion: From Conflict Zones to Everyday Retail

What happened: Reports highlighted intensive surveillance and AI analysis in conflict settings, while major U.S. retailers quietly rolled out biometric (facial/voice) recognition systems, prompting privacy concerns. Data the government isn’t allowed to gather itself without a warrant is already just being purchased from businesses that do. I expect this will follow that path.

Biblical lens: Piece by piece, the world normalizes constant monitoring—sold as safety and convenience. Scripture warns of a coming system where participation is mandatory and non-conformity costly (Revelation 13:17).

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5. AI Deception and Deepfakes: Legislation Racing to Catch Up

What happened: Multiple U.S. states advanced AI-related laws, including deepfake restrictions, as the technology continues to outpace public trust and electoral safeguards.

Biblical lens: Deception will markedly increase in the last days (Matthew 24:4–5; 2 Thessalonians 2:9–12). When “seeing is no longer believing,” anchoring solely in God’s unchanging Word becomes essential.

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What happened: The Christmas season brought intensified hostility toward Christians globally. In Nigeria and Niger, militants killed dozens in raids and church attacks, forcing communities to cancel events, avoid markets, and celebrate in secret. In Sudan, a drone strike killed believers en route to celebrations. In India, over 80 incidents of mob violence and vandalism disrupted or canceled Christmas events. In Europe, while no attack materialized, authorities foiled an Islamist plot involving a potential vehicle ramming at a German Christmas market (leading to arrests), amid the one-year anniversary of the deadly 2024 Magdeburg attack; markets opened with unprecedented fortifications—concrete barriers, armed patrols—but did not close, though the atmosphere reflected ongoing threats to public Christian traditions.

Biblical lens: Faithful believers should expect tribulation . These reports, from direct violence to foiled plots, call us to fervent intercession and tangible support for the persecuted Church.

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7. Global Chokepoints: Red Sea Shipping Risks Persist

What happened: Ongoing Yemen-related conflict continues to threaten vital Red Sea shipping lanes, with UN reporting tracking elevated risk into 2026.

Biblical lens: Modern economies rest on fragile arteries. Scripture urges us not to trust in uncertain supply chains but to store treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21) while living wisely and generously.

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8. Commodity and Precious Metals Surge: Gold, Silver, and Copper Reach New Heights Amid Inflationary Pressures

What happened: Precious and industrial metals continue their dramatic upward climb into 2026. Gold is trading around $4,450–$4,500 per ounce (with recent highs above $4,490), silver near $78–$80 per ounce, and copper has smashed records above $5.90–$6.00 per pound (over $13,000 per metric ton in some benchmarks). Safe-haven buying, supply fears, geopolitical turmoil, and robust industrial demand (especially for copper in electrification and AI infrastructure) drive the rally.

Biblical lens: Rising commodity prices reflect deepening global uncertainty and persistent inflation, eroding purchasing power for everyday necessities. This echoes the third seal judgment, where the black horse brings economic distress and skyrocketing costs for basic food: “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius…” (Revelation 6:6) . Our true refuge is Christ alone, store your riches with him (Matthew 6:19-21).

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9. Widespread Unrest in Iran: Protests Challenge Regime Stability

What happened: Beginning late December 2025, mass anti-government protests erupted across Iran, triggered by a plunging rial, soaring inflation, and deep economic discontent. Demonstrations rapidly spread to over 100 cities and most provinces, with clashes, arrests, and reported deaths (dozens confirmed by rights groups). Protesters have chanted anti-regime slogans, while the government has responded with force alongside limited concessions. The unrest follows Iran's weakened position after 2025 conflicts and ally losses, marking one of the broadest challenges to the regime in years.

Biblical lens: Iran, ancient Persia, features prominently in end-times prophecy as an ally in the Gog-Magog coalition. (Ezekiel 38:2, Revelation 20:8)

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10. Allegations of Widespread Fraud in Child Care and Government Assistance Programs

What happened: A viral video posted shortly after Christmas alleged massive fraud in Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), claiming certain centers—primarily Somali-run—received millions in subsidies while appearing empty of children. This sparked intense scrutiny, with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) freezing billions in child care and family assistance grants to multiple states (including Minnesota) over fraud concerns. Investigations continue, tied to prior scandals like the Feeding Our Future case, amid reports of harassment toward providers and political debates over program oversight.

Biblical lens: The exposure of alleged large-scale deception and misuse of public resources highlights the love of money as a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Such breakdowns in stewardship also underscore the fragility of earthly systems as judgment approaches.

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11. High-Seas Enforcement: U.S. Seizure of Venezuela-Linked Oil Tankers

What happened: Today, January 7, 2026, U.S. forces executed a dramatic operation to seize the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera (formerly Bella 1) in the North Atlantic after a weeks-long pursuit across international waters. Reports indicate a second Venezuela-linked tanker was also intercepted in the Caribbean. These actions follow the collapse of the Maduro regime and aim to enforce sanctions, preventing sanctioned Venezuelan crude from reaching markets via shadow fleet vessels. The seizures heighten tensions with Russia, which has condemned the move as a violation of maritime law.

Biblical lens: These bold interdictions on the high seas—suddenly disrupting maritime commerce—reflect the Lord’s sovereign hand in overturning the plans of the wicked, echoing the ancient oracles against proud trading powers and their coastlands: “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:3, ESV) and it also anticipates the end-times “woe” as traders and merchants mourn the collapse of a global commercial order (Revelation 18:11–19, ESV).

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Closing Encouragement
These signs are given not to feed fear, but to stir faith, holiness, and mission. Keep watch. Fill your lamp with oil. Proclaim Christ boldly while it is still day (Matthew 25:1–13).

Justin Scaggs https://simscornerchurch.com
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