For I
am with you,’ says the LORD, ‘to save you; Though I make a full end of all
nations where I have scattered you, Yet I will not make a complete end of you.
But I will correct you in justice, And will not let you go altogether
unpunished.’ Jeremiah 30:11 NKJV
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?” The truth is, if you are
looking for a passage which unequivocally refers to the United States, you are
apt to be disappointed. Yet I would
suggest that while we may not find a specific reference to the US, we could
certainly make a sound argument that the passage above from the prophet
Jeremiah tells us exactly what is in store for this country if you consider
that next to the state of Israel, more Jews live in the United States than
anywhere else on earth. That said, it would seem logical to assume that the US
is one of the nations Jeremiah says will be completely destroyed.
The
phrase “a full end” in the verse above is translated from the Hebrew word “kalah”, which, when used in the Bible,
means; completion, termination, full end,
complete destruction, consumption, annihilation. I would therefore suggest that there is no
question of what is in store for the US according to Jeremiah’s prophecy, even
though it is not mentioned by name. Of
course, it is also important to note that this complete destruction of the US
takes place during the seventieth week of Daniel, otherwise known as the
tribulation, or the seven year period of God’s judgment of this world.
“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
Since
the future of the US is revealed to us in this passage, the next question most
would have is just how is something like that possible considering the power
this country possesses, and it’s stature in the world at the present time? Many have taught that one explanation might
be found in the passage from Ezekiel which describes what some believe could be
a future nuclear attack. It occurs
during the attempted invasion of Israel by Gog and Magog described by the
prophet Ezekiel. 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.”
http://www.khouse.org/articles/2001/344/
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 Magog receives this judgment as they attempt to invade Israel
through the Golan Heights. If you follow
the news from the Middle East, you are certainly aware of the tensions
currently in place between Israel, Syria, and Russia in this particular part of
the Middle East. Yet although this event
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
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
The
complete destruction of all the nations in which Israel has been scattered will
happen exactly as foretold in the Bible.
Considering what we read in the news today, if current events are any
indication, it is going to happen very soon. If you have never accepted the
free gift of God’s grace, and the forgiveness of your sin, you can do it right
now. Just pray a simple prayer like this
and believe that He will do as He has said He will. Dear
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and I believe You died for my sins. Right now,
I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my
personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen.
Keep
watching.
