“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
I
find it sad, yet understandable, that so many believers are disappointed to the
point of becoming skeptical about prophecy because of the fact that the Church
is still here. One of the inherent problems that arises from watching for the rapture is
that many have begun to set dates for our deliverance, which, while fueling
interest and expectation, also creates disappointment and skepticism when the
dates come and go. While I certainly
will admit to being disappointed to still be here, it goes without saying that
the Word of God can, not only help, but answer our questions in regards to the
prophecy of our future day of destiny meeting with Jesus in the air.
“Now
learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender
and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. “So you also, when
you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! “Assuredly, I say to
you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take
place. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no
means pass away. Matthew 24:32-35 NKJV
We
will shortly arrive at the seventieth anniversary of when Israel became a
nation once again in 1948, and many, myself included, feel this may prove to be
a highly significant date. Yet I for one
am predicting nothing other than what God said in this passage; learn, watch, and trust. God’s words will always come to pass for He
does not lie. We have His promises of
what will be and what will come, and we can trust Him implicitly for the simple
reason of so much He has prophesied in the past has already been
fulfilled. How hard can it be to trust
in the future when the past occurred just as He foretold.
“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
Most
scholars agree that the attempted invasion of Israel revealed to us by Ezekiel
the prophet known as the Gog Magog War found in chapters 38-39 precedes the
seven year tribulation period, and many of those same scholars believe it is
not only preceded by, and probably initiated by the rapture of the Church. The confederation of participant nations is
probably one of the most studied and dissected subject of prophecy concerning
the near future of Israel and their identity is well documented. So considering that the three nations God
mentions first as the instigators, Russia, Iran, and Turkey, met this past week
to cement their alliance should give all of us pause for thought.
“Son of
man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech,
and Tubal, and prophesy against him, “and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I
am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. “I will turn you
around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses,
and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and
shields, all of them handling swords.”
Ezekiel 38:2-4 NKJV
“The above passage
describes an invasion of Israel from the north. Later verses describe its
destruction once they reach the area of the mountains of Israel. To fully
understand the prophecy, one needs to identify the major players in this divine
drama. In verses 1–4, Gog is first mentioned. He is described as the leader of
the land of Magog. He is the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal. This leader was
as unknown to Ezekiel as he is to us today. We do know “Gog” is not a proper
name but a title for the ruler of Magog, just as the terms “pharaoh,” “kaiser,”
and “czar” were titles for rulers and not proper names. The tribes identified
as Magog, Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal can be identified by Scripture and other
ancient writings as peoples who once occupied the areas of modern-day Russia.
Magog, Meshech, and Tubal were between the Black and Caspian Seas, which today
include parts of Iran, Turkey and southern Russia.”
I
believe any believer familiar with Biblical prophecy can see and understand the
times in which we find ourselves today.
The signs are all around us that point to the fulfillment of prophecy in
our immediate future, including the rapture of the Church that we have all been
waiting for. While it may be
disappointing to see certain dates come and go without hearing the trumpet blow
and the voice calling us upwards, we still have God’s promise that it will be
done. How I personally deal with
disappointment is to continually read the promises we have in His words to us
that while we may not know the day, He has said it will be done.
“Thus
says the LORD, the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘I am
the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God. And who can proclaim
as I do? Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me, Since I appointed
the ancient people. And the things that are coming and shall come, Let them
show these to them. Do not fear, nor be afraid; Have I not told you from that
time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed
there is no other Rock; I know not one.’ ”
Isaiah 44:6-8 NKJV
Every
week we are treated to more and more signs that our deliverance is close at
hand. If you have never made the
decision to accept the gift of eternal life offered by the death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ I urge you to do it today. Simply tell God you accept His Son Jesus
Christ as your Lord and Savior and turn your life over to His control.
Father, I know I am a
sinner in need of salvation. I believe you sent your Son Jesus to die on the
cross for my sin, and I ask you now to forgive me of my sins. I want to receive
your gift of salvation so please come into my heart and help me to live and
follow you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Keep
watching.
