Armageddon
"An evil spirit that looked like a frog came out of the mouth of the dragon. One also came out of the mouth of the beast, and another out of the mouth of the false prophet. These evil spirits had the power to work miracles. They went to every king on earth, to bring them together for a war against God All-Powerful. But that will be the day of God's great victory. Remember that Christ says, 'When I come, it will surprise you like a thief! But God will bless you, if you are awake and ready. Then you won't have to walk around naked and be ashamed.' Those armies came together in a place that in Hebrew is called Armagedon" (Revelation 16:13-16 - Contemporary English Version)
Satan puts all his efforts into gathering a great physical and spiritual army. He plans one more attempt to gain the throne of heaven. All his efforts, however, are only serving God's purpose. Satan is gathering his forces for the battle of the great day of God Almighty. It will be the day when God proves once and for all that he is in control and all opposition will be humbled.
Jesus, in verse fifteen, interjects a warning at this point in John's account. Jesus is coming at a time when most people will not expect him. Most people will not be ready for his appearance. Those who are spiritually prepared will be blessed by his return. Those who are saved but who are spiritually naked, unprepared and living selfishly and sinfully at his return will be ashamed.
Armageddon means either the hill or city of Megiddo. Megiddo means place of troops or place of slaughter. This town was located on the southern rim of a huge plain. This valley is about 22 km (14 miles) wide and 32 km (20 miles) long. Napoleon called it “the most natural battlefield of the whole earth.”
This area has seen many battles. The Israelites under Barak defeated the Canaanites here. Israel under Gideon defeated the Midianites. The Philistines defeated Israel in this valley and killed her first king, Saul. Pharaohnechoh and the Egyptians defeated Judah and killed king Josiah at Megiddo while on their way to battle Nebuchadnezzar. General Titus and a Roman army marched across this valley on their way to destroy Jerusalem. The Crusaders fought here. During World War I, the British General Allenby used the valley in defeating the Turkish army. At least one more battle will be fought here: the Battle of Armageddon.
Satan puts all his efforts into gathering a great physical and spiritual army. He plans one more attempt to gain the throne of heaven. All his efforts, however, are only serving God's purpose. Satan is gathering his forces for the battle of the great day of God Almighty. It will be the day when God proves once and for all that he is in control and all opposition will be humbled.
Jesus, in verse fifteen, interjects a warning at this point in John's account. Jesus is coming at a time when most people will not expect him. Most people will not be ready for his appearance. Those who are spiritually prepared will be blessed by his return. Those who are saved but who are spiritually naked, unprepared and living selfishly and sinfully at his return will be ashamed.
Armageddon means either the hill or city of Megiddo. Megiddo means place of troops or place of slaughter. This town was located on the southern rim of a huge plain. This valley is about 22 km (14 miles) wide and 32 km (20 miles) long. Napoleon called it “the most natural battlefield of the whole earth.”
This area has seen many battles. The Israelites under Barak defeated the Canaanites here. Israel under Gideon defeated the Midianites. The Philistines defeated Israel in this valley and killed her first king, Saul. Pharaohnechoh and the Egyptians defeated Judah and killed king Josiah at Megiddo while on their way to battle Nebuchadnezzar. General Titus and a Roman army marched across this valley on their way to destroy Jerusalem. The Crusaders fought here. During World War I, the British General Allenby used the valley in defeating the Turkish army. At least one more battle will be fought here: the Battle of Armageddon.
posted by David Frank Wilson | 6:05 AM
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