THE ANTICHRIST AND PROPHECY

While Kerry is in Jerusalem attempting to force the Israelis to make their tiny country even smaller . . . a record snowstorm and bitter cold are about to shut down the northern part of the U.S.

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A coincidence?  I think not!  Do you remember the last time Kerry was over there attempting to do the same thing?  We got hit with 80 tornadoes! 

"It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen" (1 Peter 1:13).

In this short blog article I will not attempt to explain everything in Ezekiel 38 and 39, but I will comment on some of the main ideas.

When Gog invades the land of Israel . . . 38:18

Clearly, Gog is the Antichrist.  This leader will emerge from eastern Turkey.  And this passage emphatically states that he will invade the land of Israel. This is a fact from God.  "Gog" in Hebrew literally means "mountain": גּוֹג  Gog also means "the prophetic prince of Rosh, Meshech, Tubal, and Magog".  Gog is mentioned eleven times in the Bible.  See Strong's # H1463.

My fury will boil over . . . 38:18

We often wonder why God does not get fed up and destroy the wicked people.  One day this will happen.  From this verse we understand that, like us, he is getting very angry because His people (the Jews) are being attacked.  The time will come when He will release his pent-up anger.  "Unless the Lord shortens that time of calamity, not a single person will survive" (Mark 13:20).

There will be a mighty shaking . . . 38:19

When He says "MIGHTY", he is not talking about a 8 or 9 point earthquake.  This mighty shaking will affect every person on the planet.  And the people will not just "quake".  They will quake IN TERROR.  Why?  Because the presence of Almighty God will be here.  "Jesus Christ will be revealed to the whole world" (1 Peter 1:7).

The sword . . . 38:21

Disease, bloodshed, torrential rain, hailstones (Revelation 16:21 tells us that the hailstones will be 75 pounds each!), fire, and burning sulphur will be just a few of the ways God will demonstrate His fury.

I will show my greatness and holiness to all the nations of the world . . . . 38:23 and 39:27.

Finally . . . God will reveal Himself.  Everyone will know!  He will show his greatness and holiness.  If you have ever wondered why God does not just show off his power to the world . . . it will happen.  And the day is fast approaching.

They will know that I am the Lord . . . 38:16,23; 39:6, 7, 22, & 28.

Six different times God tells us this in just two chapters.  There will not be any guessing in that day.  There will be no atheists or agnostics.  Everyone will KNOW!

East of the Dead Sea . . . 39:11

God does not leave us in the dark about the location.  This is modern Jordan.

Seven months to bury bodies and cleanse the land . . . 39:12

These will be the bodies of those who have invaded Israel.  These people thought that they would be able to kill all Jews.  Instead, now there will be so many of their bodies that it will take seven months to bury them all . . . even using huge modern bulldozers and and backhoes.

A glorious victory . . . 39:13

Celebration!  God's people, whether Jew or Gentile, will finally be vindicated.  We will get to see our King destroy the wicked. Whether you like this or not . . . the Bible calls it GLORIOUS!

I will demonstrate my glory . . . 39:13,21

Those of us who know Jesus and love Him are well aware of the fact that He has the power to demonstrate to the entire world.  With bated breath we have been waiting for the moment when He will clearly demonstrate who He is.  Take heart, my friends, the day is fast approaching.  "The end of the world is coming soon" (1 Peter 4:7).

 Hamona . . . 39:16

The Hebrew meaning: "multitude of Gog".  Since this ancient city was in modern Jordan we understand that it will be near this location where thousands of enemies will be buried.  It will be the Israelis and tourists who will participate in disposing of the tens of thousands of bodies.

Sacrificial feast . . . 39:17,19

It is not a coincidence that Rev. 19:17 tells us that the vultures will be invited to this feast.  It is called "the great banquet of God". Is there a better way to get rid of rotting corpses and the spread of disease?  Let the vultures clean it all up, "eat flesh and drink blood". Those still living can merely bury the bones.  The vultures are invited to "drink blood until you are drunk!"  What a scene that will be.

The power of my fist . . . 39:21

God is going to strike!  And when He does it will amaze and astonish every person on planet earth.  Talk about shock and awe!  He has extended mercy for centuries, but there is soon coming a time when his fury will boil over. He does not like it when someone "harms" his "special possession", Joel 3:2.

I jealously guard my holy reputation . . . 39:25

A person is known by his word.  We are living in a time when even many "Christians" do not keep their promises.  But, unlike these pathetic people, God DOES keep His Word!  He has chosen the Jewish people as His special people above everyone else on earth.  If He allowed the Jews and Israel to be wiped out, it would reflect badly on Him.  But, . . . not to worry.  He will jealously guard what he has said.  Please believe that He is not the Sunday School pansy.
He is going to surprise all of us . . . even though He has told us ahead of time what will take place: Joel 2:18.  

I will leave NONE OF MY PEOPLE behind . . . 39:28

Again . . . we must believe that when God says something (unlike many people today) then He will follow up on his promises.  Think of it . . . none of His people will be left behind.  Wherever His people are on this planet, He will watch over them and protect them. This should make all of us who have placed our faith in Jesus very, very thankful.  We have the promise from God Almighty (El Shaddai) that He will care for us.

I will pour out my Spirit upon the people of Israel . . . 39:29

If you have not experienced the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, then you really do not understand what a glorious promise this is.  Zechariah 12:10; Acts 2:38-39.  Ask Jesus today to baptize you with the Holy Spirit.  It is such a simple prayer.  Just say, "Jesus, forgive me of all of my sins and baptize me with your Holy Spirit."  Life will change for you dramatically if you say this prayer and mean it from your heart.

Read Ezekiel 38 and 39 several times and receive its truths into your heart.