Highlighting God’s Sovereignty, Israel, and End Times Prophecies
This comprehensive blog post delves into the Book of Ezekiel to explore Israel’s role in prophecies, the notion of God’s sovereignty, and eschatological events like the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ.
This blog is adopted from this past Sunday’s sermon, which you can watch and read the full transcript here.
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Ezekiel and Its Relevance in Modern Times
Hey there, friends! Let’s dive into some deep waters by exploring Ezekiel 38 and refreshing our memories on chapters 36 and 37. You remember those, right? They highlight the blessings God has showered on Israel—a nation known for its rollercoaster of faith.
Consider the Book of Ezekiel to explore the Israelites’ fluctuating faith and God’s enduring sovereignty. These are often-misunderstood prophecies, such as the Valley of Dry Bones and the role of Gog, urging a rigorous and careful interpretation to avoid pitfalls like wrongly identifying the Antichrist.
Proactive Prayer for Israel
Noting the growing geopolitical tensions, we need to support Israel. We are guided by prophecies in Ezekiel 38 and 39 that predict divine intervention against nations that oppose Israel. While acknowledging the uncertainty of these being end-time fulfillments, the sermon calls for proactive prayer for Israel and for the global acceptance of Jesus Christ.
Highlighting God’s universal outreach, the sermon mentions the “time of the Gentiles,” stressing the Gospel’s call extends beyond the Jewish people. The sermon also clarifies key eschatological distinctions, like the separate events of the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ.
Overarching message
The overarching message is one of faith and endurance: despite differing views and challenging times, God’s sovereignty reigns supreme, and believers should steadfastly trust in His control.
As we delve into the content of Ezekiel 38, and take a moment to refresh our recollection of chapters 36 and 37. These chapters focus on the abundant blessings that God bestowed upon Israel. Israel’s journey of faith, much like a rollercoaster, is quite fascinating. They exhibit unwavering commitment to God at one moment and seem to drift away the next, a recurring pattern we can trace all the way back to the Book of Numbers. And, intriguingly, we often find ourselves reflecting similar dynamics.
We’ve all had those spiritual highs and lows, haven’t we? One day, we’re “on fire for God,” and the next, we’re just not feeling it. The sermons seem dull, the worship music loses its sparkle, and our Bible gathers dust. Our spiritual lives start to look like a yo-yo, going up and down based on how we feel. But here’s the deal: God is unchanging, and His plans are rock-solid. Emotions aside, He’s got this. He’s in control, always.
From Unity to Disarray
Israel’s history serves as a potent lesson for us. God sent Ezekiel to a valley filled with dry bones, symbolizing Israel, and breathed life into them—just as He did for the nation in 1948.
Israel’s history paints a vivid picture of this. They went from being a united nation to falling apart due to their wavering commitment to God. It got so bad that they weren’t even a nation anymore—just a bunch of Hebrews with no homeland. But God had a plan. He sent Ezekiel to a valley filled with dry bones and told him to preach life into them.
These bones symbolized Israel, and guess what happened? They came back to life! Not metaphorically, but literally—just as Israel did in 1948. A nation reborn in a single day! That’s the power of God keeping His promises.
You’ve probably heard preachers fire up their congregations with this story, and while that’s great, don’t miss the real message here. It’s not about how to reignite your personal passion or revive a local church. It’s a divine promise that God knows what He’s doing. He sees the big picture, and He is in complete control.
Prophecies in Ezekiel 38
Here, we examine Ezekiel 38 to understand why God allows challenges, like an enemy attack, to guide us back to Him. After all, the overarching theme in Ezekiel is God’s undeniable sovereignty and plan.
Notice God says He will “put hooks into the jaws” of Gog, the enemy, and lead him where He wants him to go. It sounds a bit strange, doesn’t it? Why would God allow an enemy to attack His own people? Well, here’s the kicker: God sometimes uses challenges to shake us awake and turn our hearts back to Him.
The Book of Ezekiel, a text rich with prophecies, metaphors, and some seriously important life lessons. At first glance, Ezekiel can seem a bit overwhelming—skeletons coming to life, war, and conflict—but stay with me! The overarching theme here is one of hope and God’s undeniable sovereignty.
God’s Plan for Israel—and Us
Ezekiel reveals God’s deep affection for Israel. However, their relationship, much like ours with Him, can be turbulent. Yet, God’s control remains constant.
Ezekiel speaks volumes about God’s love for Israel, His chosen people. Yet, the relationship isn’t always a smooth ride. It’s kind of like a spiritual roller coaster; one moment Israel is wholeheartedly committed to God, and the next, they’re sliding away from Him.
Sound familiar? Sometimes we, too, experience highs and lows in our faith. There are seasons when we’re incredibly “on fire” for God, and others when we find ourselves disconnected and, frankly, a little bored. Yet, regardless of how we feel, God is unwaveringly in control.
Prayers for Israel and the World
Current geopolitical tensions have led many to ponder the possibility of the end times. Whether or not you believe these are the final days, praying for peace in Jerusalem and the world remains essential.
The current tensions related to Israel might be fulfilling Ezekiel’s prophecies in chapters 38 and 39. It’s a subject of much debate among scholars, but one thing remains constant: the need for prayer. Psalm 122.6 instructs us to pray for peace in Jerusalem.
So whether you’re convinced that these are the “end times” or not, let’s keep Israel in our prayers.
But let’s not stop at praying just for Israel. Pray for peace and salvation throughout the world. Pray for your neighbors, your family, and even those you consider your enemies to come to the understanding that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.
What We Know
While scholars’ debate about when exactly these prophecies will take place, what we know for sure is that God is in control. He holds all things together and knows exactly what He’s doing. One day, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).
So, my friends, in a world full of uncertainty, isn’t it comforting to know that God’s sovereignty is our constant? If you’re interested in diving deeper, grab your Bible and turn to Luke chapter 21 for more insights into prophecies and the future.
Luke chapter 21 and the prophecies mentioned therein: Jesus foretold the destruction of the Second Temple, which did indeed happen in 70 AD.
He went on to speak of Jerusalem being encircled by armies, signaling its desolation. The term “desolation” suggests that a remnant will be left—perhaps 10% based on scriptural language.
In both Matthew 24 and Luke 21, Jesus instructs us not to be consumed by fear, but to look up to God as the signs of the end times unfold. Trust in Him, because no power on Earth or in the heavens can remove you from the hand of God. You’re protected by Jesus’ sacrifice and the Holy Spirit.
The Fulfillment of the Gentile
The phrase “the times of the Gentiles” mentioned in biblical texts like Luke 21, interpretations vary widely. However, the viewpoint that resonates most convincingly with me, and one that aligns well with evangelical thought, is the notion of “Evangelical Fulfillment.”
Why Evangelical Fulfillment Makes Sense
The Apostle Paul provides compelling insights on the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the context of faith. Paul makes it abundantly clear that bringing Gentiles to faith in Christ is a significant part of God’s plan for humanity. He himself was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles and emphasized the importance of this mission throughout his epistles.
In this light, the “fulfillment of the Gentiles” can be best understood as the completion of the Great Commission—the calling to spread the Gospel to all nations, including the Gentiles. When this task is accomplished, it serves as a powerful indicator that God’s prophetic timeline is advancing toward its final chapters.
Aligning with Scriptural Evidence
Paul writes about the “fullness of the Gentiles” coming in (Romans 11:25). This suggests a point in time when a sufficient number of Gentiles have come to faith, thus fulfilling what many evangelicals see as a prophetic marker in God’s grand design.
God’s Sovereignty
Yes, there may be other interpretations and considerations, but the bottom line is that God’s sovereignty rules over all. Even as we ponder these deep and complex prophetic timelines, it is God who orchestrates the unfolding of these events in His perfect timing. In that, we can take comfort and confidence.
The Rapture and Second Coming
Key eschatological distinctions like the separate events of the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ are discussed here. Who is the Antichrist, and how do these events impact us?
Many argue that we’re now in the last days, leading up to the rapture. The rapture and the Second Coming of Christ are distinct events. Following the rapture, a seven-year tribulation period will ensue, culminating in Christ’s triumphant return to vanquish the Antichrist.
Concerning the identity of the Antichrist, speculations abound. Some say he could be Muslim, others suggest he may be Catholic, but what we know for certain is that he will oppose Christ. Regardless of who he is, Jesus’ power far surpasses his.
In times of uncertainty or persecution, whether in America or elsewhere, let’s hold steadfast to our faith. Even when dire events unfold, remember, we are on the winning side with Jesus. Fear not what can be done to your body, but reverence God who has control over both body and soul (Matthew 10:28).
What we don’t know
Scholars may debate the timing of these prophecies, but God’s sovereignty provides us with constant comfort and assurance.
So, irrespective of geopolitical happenings, let’s keep our eyes fixed on God and align our wills with His through prayer: “Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
Regardless of life’s trials—be it persecution, discouragement, or even mundane worries like boredom—always keep your faith in Him. God is in control, and that should be our enduring comfort and assurance.
Conclusion: Keeping Faith in Uncertain Times
Let’s keep our eyes fixed on God’s kingdom through prayer and unwavering faith, especially in the face of life’s trials and uncertainties.
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