Ezekiel 38:18-39:16
“And it will come to pass at the same time, when Gog comes against the land of Israel,” says the Lord GOD, “that My fury will show in My face. For in My jealousy and in the fire of My wrath I have spoken…” (Ezekiel 38:18–19, NKJV)
God is slow to anger. He is merciful, meaning that He does not punish us as our sins deserve. It is a good thing or else who could stand before His wrath? But there comes a time when God no longer tolerates evil. When Gog, the ruler of Magog, invades Israel, along with seven other nations, God’s fury will be unleashed. He will cause such a great earthquake in Israel that fish, birds, animals, and all men on the earth will shake. The mountains will be thrown down, and every wall will be leveled.
In the confusion that occurs, the eight-nation confederacy will turn on itself, killing each other. And God will send flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone, demonstrating His greatness and holiness before many nations. Then they will know that Yahweh is God, and Israel will no longer profane His holy name.
God is patient with people, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. But He is also the Judge of all the earth. The day of His wrath is surely coming. By default we are objects of His wrath, separated from Him by our sins. God would be fully justified to punish us for the eternal offenses we have committed against Him. But God has chosen to lay all our sins and trespasses upon Christ. If we believe in Him, then our sins and guilt are removed, and we become objects of God’s mercy and compassion. In these days of rebellion and apostasy, how important it is that we tell others about the forgiveness and salvation available to them through faith in Jesus Christ.
“Heavenly Father, we thank you for your tender mercies toward us. Thank you for not punishing us as our sins deserve. We know that the Day of Judgment is coming when you will pour out your wrath on a wicked world that has rejected your Son. Help us to win as many souls as possible before that time. In Jesus name we pray, amen.”