Ezekiel 38 – God’s Plan

This past Sunday, I was able to preach on somethinkg I am passionate about. People world-wide are talking about the end of the world. People are talking about the Mayan prophecy of 2012, scientists of a global reverse of polarity coordinated with the sun's cycle of polarity reversal resulting in earthquakes, volcanoes, and the possible collapse of the earth's upper atmosphere. All these things are noteworthy, but how does God's own Word speak of these events? Ezekiel 36-37 speak of events that took place in 1948. It appears that todays geo-political events in the middle east are lining up with ch. 38. I didn't write out a sermon on paper, just an outline to go by. If you have a readable translation of God's word, it would be helpful to get the full effect of the outline.
May God bless you in seeking His Truth.

In Ezekiel 38 – we see names many of us are unfamiliar with, though some we know. These first appear in what is known as the
I. Table of Nations in Gen. 10:

Magog (Russia), Javan (Greece), Tubal and Meshech (Turkey and Central Asia) are sons of Noah’s son Japheth (Gen. 10:2)

Tarshish (England or Spain) is a son of Javan (maritime peoples ~ Gen 10:4)

Sheba, Dedan (Southern Arabia) (Gen 10:7)

A. The Sovereign LORD predicts He will bring them out. (v. 4)

B. Magog’s Allies - Perisa (Iraq & Iran), Cush (Ethiopia), Put (Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, North Africa) (v. 5)

C. invading a land gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel… now they all live in safety.(v.8)


II. Thoughts of Evil (vv. 10-13)

A. invade a peaceful unsuspecting people (v. 10)

B. plunder, loot and destroy (v. 12)

C. Friends or Foes? Question Israel’s allies, but do nothing about it (v. 13)


III. A Soon Reality?

A. when my people are living in safety (v. 14) – Leaders state that they want to sign Annapolis peace accord by 2008

B. confirmation of Russia (v. 15)

C. Magog and hordes like a cloud covering the land (v. 16)


IV. Yahweh’s Devastation

A. Anger aroused (v. 18)

B. Great earthquake –scientists now saying a major quake long overdue in Israel!

C. Chaos and Natural Disaster vv. 20-22

D. God’s glorification and magnification vv. 16, 23



V. Conclusions We Should Draw

A. Most Bible scholars assume this war happens at the beginning or before Daniel’s 70th week.

1. He (Satan~spiritual ruler in the 'heavens' 1 Jn 5:19) – will confirm a covenant for one ‘seven’ – 7 yr. peace treaty

2. Daniel 9:27 tells us there is a Temple in place and sacrifices have been resumed
- after war, Russia and Muslim nations are decimated, they will be in no position to refuse Israel their temple

B. In the 70th week, God returns his focus to Israel

1. The 70th week of Daniel begins God’s wrath on the world! Rev. 6 –Seal Judgments

2. In the middle of the week, Abomination of Desolation occurs (Dan. 9:27)

3. The Church is gone! “For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?”Rom. 11:15, 1 Thess 1:10; 2 Thess. 2:7

VI. HOW NOW SHOULD WE LIVE?

KNOW GOD!
A. knowing = obedience 2 Thess. 1:8,

B. hear & DO (knowing = doing) James 1:19-25

1. get rid of moral filth so prevalent

2. humbly ACCEPT the word planted in you

C. knowing = relationship (Jn. 17:3, Jn 15:5,6)