“And I
will send fire on Magog and on those who live in security in the coastlands.
Then they shall know that I am the LORD.
Ezekiel 39:6 NKJV
Anyone
even casually aware of the news the past few weeks is sure to have noticed a
sharp increase in the speculation of the possibility of World War 3 appearing
on our horizon. Tensions with Russia are
at an all-time high with many voicing the opinion that recent moves by Russia
indicate a strong desire and intent to alter the balance of power to a degree
not seen in a very long time. The
unwillingness of our current administration to do anything at all to confront
the aggressive moves of Vladimir Putin have allowed him to possibly position
Russia as the preeminent power in Europe
as well as the Middle East.
If
you are a student of biblical prophecy, I’m sure you have either heard or read
that the most asked question concerning the end times is “Where is America?” in
all of this? What I have always believed
is that if the United States were relevant, it would be mentioned in
scripture. The fact that it seems to be
absent lends weight to the idea that for one reason or another, America as we
know it is rendered irrelevant. Many have
taught that one reason might be found in the passage from Ezekiel which describes
what some believe could be a future nuclear attack.
The following is an excerpt from an article by Chuck Missler of Koinonia
House.
“The ultimate
invasion of the Middle East by "Gog and Magog" is well known to most Biblically
informed observers The invading forces
of Magog - recognized as referring to Russia by most authorities - are wiped
out by "hailstones of fire" from the heavens, which also cause an
earthquake felt around the world. A disturbing aspect of this encounter is that
similar "hailstones of fire" also appear to fall on those "who
dwell securely in the isles" or coastlands. Some suspect that this could
be a hint of an intercontinental nuclear exchange as part of the confrontation
with Magog and its allies.”
The
most important idea in this observation, as well as what is described in the
passage from Ezekiel, is the fact that what we are told occurs is quite
possibly an “exchange” of nuclear missiles. Ezekiel makes it clear that the “fire”
falls on both Magog and the coastlands. The
word used here translated “coastlands” is the Hebrew word “iy”, which is translated to mean, coast, island, shore, region.
Many Bible scholars have voiced the opinion that this is most likely the
word that one would use at the time the book of Ezekiel was written to describe
an unknown land far away.
If
we accept that premise then one must ask the question, what nation would fit
that description which also possesses nuclear weapons? The simple answer is only one. While we can discuss at length all of the
reasons and provocations which might result in a nuclear exchange between
Russia and the United States, the one point which should never be ignored or
forgotten is that this passage tells us that it is God Himself who brings this
all to pass. Notice that we are told
that “I
will send fire”. While there may
be reasons why the decision is made by earthly leaders to push the button, it
is God’s decision to bring it to pass, and as we have seen in previous studies,
the use of “fire” is a strong indication of God’s judgment upon both Magog and
the “coastlands”.
Remember
the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and
there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient
times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will
do all My pleasure,’ Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes
My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it
to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. “Listen to Me, you
stubborn-hearted, Who are far from righteousness: I bring My
righteousness near, it shall not be far off; My salvation shall not linger. And
I will place salvation in Zion, For Israel My glory. Isaiah 46:9-13 NKJV
While
this judgment by fire falls on two different nations, it is important to
remember that as we have discovered a few weeks ago, Magog receives this
judgment as they attempt to invade Israel through the Golan Heights. Yet although this occurs in such close
proximity to the nation of Israel, God protects them from any harm or “fallout”
from His judgment. The reason for this miracle
is made clear as we are told that this is the time where God will reveal
Himself to not only Israel, but the entire world in such a way as that there is
no mistake as to who is in charge.
“So I
will make My holy name known in the midst of My people Israel, and I will not
let them profane My holy name anymore. Then the nations shall know that I am
the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
Ezekiel 39:7 NKJV
If
all of this sounds just a little farfetched to some, I would simply point out
that while the possibility that this passage describes the use of nuclear missiles is purely conjecture, the fact remains that there will be a battle that affects both Magog and another land, and it is at this time that God will somehow make it clear to the entire world that He not only exists, but has His protective hand upon the nation of Israel.
“Surely
it is coming, and it shall be done,” says the Lord GOD. “This is the day of
which I have spoken. Ezekiel 39:8 NKJV
This will happen, and if current events are any indication,it is going to
happen very soon. I have included a
small sample of some links for you to follow which point out the rising
tensions between Russia and the United States.
Take them with a grain of salt but please remember that God has spoken
and His plan is going forward until its’ completion.
Keep
watching.
