Ezekiel 38 reminds me that wars come in
many forms. In the 1920’s, World War 1 was called the “war to
end all wars”, yet it created the ingredients necessary for World
War 2. There are no neutral nations when the world goes to war.
There are also wars that are not fought with bullets and bombs, but
are just as destructive. Individuals wage war within themselves and
with their tormentors. Do you know that the same God that measures
the universe with the span of His hand also calls each of us by name?
Palm 46 says, “God is our
refuge and strength, an
ever-present help in trouble“.
In the spiritual battle, there is no neutral ground. Have you
chosen sides yet? Today’s chapter speaks of the end times and the
destruction of nations, but within it is a message to each of us
individually. The chapter begins with God instructing Ezekiel, “Son
of man, set your face against
Gog, of the land of Magog“.
He describes, “a great horde…
all of them brandishing their swords“.
Some biblical prophecy has been fulfilled, while other events are
yet to happen. Scholars have spent centuries deciphering the people
and the timeline described. I am only certain that the Jewish people
are God’s chosen people, and Israel was and will continue to be a
target of the enemy. Satan knows that he will be defeated, but he
seeks to destroy and deceive as many as possible until the very end.
God issues a challenge to those fighting against Him “Get
ready; be prepared“.
The
chapter describes this alliance of nations coming against Israel, “In
future years you will invade a land
that
has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations…
now all of them live in safety“.
We are given God’s perspective on the entire war, “the
nations may know Me when I am proved holy through you before their
eyes“.
That is, God’s victory was certain before the foundation of the
world. He
adds, “you
will devise an evil scheme”
to “attack
a peaceful and unsuspecting people…
rich
in livestock and goods“.
This alliance apparently does not know that Israel belongs to God,
“When
Gog attacks… My hot anger will be aroused… all the people on the
face of the earth will tremble at My presence“.
Will you tremble in fear or tremble in awe?
God
miraculously intercedes, “there
shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel… The mountains
will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble“.
In the confusion, “Every
man’s sword will be against his brother“.
Those fighting against God rarely have peace with anyone. The
result is ugly, “I will pour
down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him… and on
the many nations with him“.
There will be no mistaking that God is in control, “I
will show My greatness and My holiness, and I will make Myself known
in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the
Lord“. So often we think we
are battling with a spouse, or family member or former friend, but in
reality we are fighting against God. Sometimes we consider a break
from conflict to be peace. Armistice Day declared the end of
hostility in Europe in 1918. We make the same mistake when we just
try to end the battle. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us, “The
heart is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?”
Friend, here is your answer, “Let
the peace of Christ rule in your hearts”
(Colossians 3:15). Did you catch it? You will only know real peace
when you allow Christ to rule your heart. You can have peace, even
while the war is raging. There will be another war to end all wars,
are you ready?