SEPTEMBER 8 – Reading 251

by John Christian Pra | September 8

“DON’T MISS THE POINT”
(Ezekiel 38:1-39:29; Obadiah 1-21)

“So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.” – Ezekiel 38:23

Is there anything more frustrating than having a conversation with someone and they are completely missing the point you are trying to make? When we miss the point in the conversation, we also miss the heart of the person and what they are really trying to say. Unfortunately, we do this often when we come to God and read Scripture. 

Stories like the prophecies against Gog and Magog (found here in today’s passages in Ezekiel) have often been interpreted to understand end-times judgement and rightly so. Gog and Magog are also talked about in Revelation as evil nations inspired by Satan to oppose God’s people. However, the main point in this passage is not what’s going to happen at the end of the world and God isn’t asking us to try and decode the veiled language here in Ezekiel. 

God is actually quite clear why all of this will take place: to show his greatness, holiness, and make His glory known among the nations. That’s the true point. What he’s after in all of these events is His glory being made known on the earth. The return of His people, Israel, to true relationship with Him and the fear of the nations to recognize His power and might. 

Don’t miss the point here. All of history is working towards this goal of God’s glory being revealed throughout the earth. All the events of history and all future apocalyptic events that will take place are designed so that God may be made known throughout the whole earth. 

 Reflections:

• Does thinking about end-time events revealed in Scripture bring fear to your heart? Why?

   

• How does seeing the main point is God’s glory being revealed change your perspective of the end-times?

   

Application: 

• Take time to evaluate how God is spreading His glory throughout the events taking place in your own life.

   

• Ask God to give you peace in the midst of the chaos our world is going through knowing that He holds all things in His hands.

   

Closing Prayer: 
Almighty God, you are fully in control of all history and every event that takes place both past and future are for the revelation of your glory throughout the earth. Forgive me for missing the point of what you are seeking to do here on the earth. I pray that you would give me eyes to see you in the midst of the chaos in this world. I ask for your peace that surpasses understanding as I stand on the firm foundation of your Son, Jesus Christ. Keep me focused on what you are doing in me and through me. Let my life be for your glory. Amen.