Today’s Reading:  Ezek 38:1–39:24, Rev 19:1–10, Job 38:12–24

Today’s Theme: Rejoice in God’s Power

Today’s theme is that we should rejoice in God’s mighty power, shown in the ultimate judgement and victory over evil.

Ezekiel 38:1–39:24

Who is Gog?

You will come up against my people Israel, like a cloud covering the land. In the latter days I will bring you against my land, that the nations may know me, when through you, O Gog, I vindicate my holiness before their eyes.(Ezekiel 38:16, ESV)

The latter days are mentioned here, is this an allusion to some great northern country, like Russia rising against Israel in the last days?

The following link provides insightful information from trusted bible dictionaries: Gog and Magog on the map

God judges the nations

I will send fire on Magog and on those who dwell securely in the coastlands, and they shall know that I am the Lord.(Ezekiel 39:6, ESV)

God will lead these great nations into destruction as a judgement.

The universe restored

“And my holy name I will make known in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not let my holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel.(Ezekiel 39:7, ESV)

How we long for that day, when the universe is fixed.

A great slaughter

For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them, in order to cleanse the land.(Ezekiel 39:12, ESV)

Will this be a nuclear or biological attack?

Revelation 19:1–10

Rejoice the enemy is judged

After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”(Revelation 19:1–2, ESV)

We should not be sorry but should rejoice at the final judgement of the evil world system.

Rejoice in God

And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.”(Revelation 19:5, ESV)

Rejoicing in God is central to His purpose.

Heaven is full of praise

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.(Revelation 19:6, ESV)

Heaven is going to be loud.

Clothed with your own works

it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.(Revelation 19:8, ESV)

We are clothed with the things we do, so do right and do well.

The invited

And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”(Revelation 19:9, ESV)

Those invited show that God’s people are specific and select, not universal.

Worship God

Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.(Revelation 19:10, ESV)

The pure purpose of existence.

Job 38:12–24

Bow to God’s power

“Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place,(Job 38:12, ESV)

All men must bow to God’s majesty and power, we can’t stop morning from coming or make it come faster.

The mystery of the deep oceans

“Have you entered into the springs of the sea, or walked in the recesses of the deep?(Job 38:16, ESV)

Although man has gone to space, he still cannot do this.

The mystery of death

Have the gates of death been revealed to you, or have you seen the gates of deep darkness?(Job 38:17, ESV)

Man still does not understand and cannot master death.

Light

“Where is the way to the dwelling of light, and where is the place of darkness,(Job 38:19, ESV)

This still baffles scientists.

Snow

which I have reserved for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war?(Job 38:23, ESV)

This helped Russia defeat Germany.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Revelation 19