Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Ezekiel 39 - Judgment of Gog and His Allies

LINK: Ezekiel 39

BACKGROUND

The story of the battle continues. God will miraculously intervene in this battle so that His holy name will be "known . . . among my people Israel . . . and the nations" (39:7). The nations aligned against Israel will be annihilated. Then, Gog and his hordes will be properly buried there. Anything not buried will be eaten by carrion-eating birds and beasts. Consequently, the land will be made holy (Number 19:14-16).

God destroyed this invading army to protect His people and to demonstrate His glory among the Gentiles. He said He will "show Himself holy through them in the sight of many nations (39:27). Finally, God will pour out His Spirit on the house of Israel (36:27; 37:14; Joel 2:28). "The ultimate result of the battle with God will be Israel's national repentance and spiritual restoration" (The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament, p. 1302). 

We do not know when this will be, but I cannot wait!

REFLECTION

Whew! It was chapters like Ezekiel 38 and 39 that made me a little leery of tackling Ezekiel. We do not know the exact location of Magog. We do not know when these things will happen. We do not know a ton of things, but we do know that God is in control, and He wants us all to know that He will show Himself holy in the sight of all nations and that HE is the LORD! That is enough for me to just respond in worship rather than speculation. How about you?

APPLICATION

Do not waste your time in speculation and short-change God on the worship He deserves today!

PRAYER

You are the LORD our God! We worship You because You are 100% holy and 100% mighty and 100% sovereign in and over all people and world events. We humbly acknowledge that You are God and we are not. Teach us to tremble and be in awe of You. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

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