Written by
Isaac
What thoughts spring into mind as we read this chapter?
As we read of the utter destruction of Gog, that though they are great in numbers, they cannot stand against the might of God (v11 – 12).
As we read of the shocking and shameful treatment of the slain. As we imagine the grotesque picture of every bird and every beast of the field feasting upon the corpses of the fallen.
Do we decry and cringe at the carnage, at the horrid indignity on a fellow human. Wondering why our loving God can be so harsh and heavy handed.
Are we gleeful and smug that justice is served to the enemies for they must be punished for going against the house of Israel.
Or do we rightfully see God’s purpose and intent.
“Then they shall know that I am the Lord.
So I will make My holy name known in the midst of My people Israel,
And I will not let them profane My holy name anymore.
Then the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel.” V6 – 9
As Paul and Peter described the nature of God in Rom 9:22 and 2 Peter 3:15 respectively. God desires for man’s salvation. For that He has put off the destruction that man rightfully deserves. But once the period of grace is over for it is only right not to expect an indefinite period of grace), God will take action to protect His name and sovereignty.
We should see the awesome power of our Lord and know that nothing can stand in His way. If we stand on the side of God and the love of God abides in us, we shall be victors, regardless of how strong and mighty our enemies are. (Rom 8:31 – 39).
Hence in all wisdom, to whom should we pledge our allegiance and trust? And how shall we direct our lives? As the author of Hebrews exhorts us (Heb 10:26 – 31), we must see things in the right perspective. Our God is an awesome God, one that we must fear, honour, submit and obey.