Ezekiel 38:7

Ezekiel 38:7 (ESV): ““Be ready and keep ready, you and all your hosts that are assembled about you, and be a guard for them.”

The imminence of prophetic events such as the Rapture, the coming of the Antichrist, the unblinding of Israel’s eyes, the assembling at Armageddon, the Return of Christ, the Millennial Reign, the binding of Satan, and the final judgment are all in play. So too is the war described in Ezekiel 38 and 39. All of these events are future, but they could unfold in rapid succession. Just as Israel is to remain ready, so too must the church. These events could occur at any time. I don’t believe the church will be here for most of them, but nevertheless, we are to be ready for our Lord’s return.

There is no shortage of speculation about who Gog, of the land of Magog—the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal—might be. Some believe he was Antiochus IV Epiphanes (which is unlikely). Others, such as John Trapp, suggest it refers to a coalition of Muslims and the Papacy coming against Israel. Still others identify Gog as the ruler of Russia. The reality is, we can’t be certain who he is. What we can be certain of is what Gog and his allies will do: they will come against Israel, and God Himself will slay them on the mountains of the Holy Land. What we know for sure is that Gog is a defeated foe.

But the bigger question for us isn’t, “Who is Gog?”—it’s “Am I ready?” Jesus could come for His church at any moment. Are you waiting for His glorious appearing, the blessed hope of the catching away? It’s time to get ready, church. The trumpeters are warming up while the world is melting down. The imminent return of Christ is upon us. Be ready by staying in right relationship with God and being faithful to His call on your life. Amen?

Father, keep our hearts fully prepared for Your Son’s soon return. May we be found faithfully about Your business when He comes. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.