Again?

July 6, 2020 (Monday)

 

For some reason there is another round of deception. We can only speculate why. It’s one of the reasons to think the millennial kingdom may be figurative. Satan is released to deceive, “And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea.” [Revelation 20: 8 – 9 ESV].

 

Who is Gog and Magog? That’s a very good question. Ezekiel 38:2 names Gog, “Son of man, turn and face Gog of the land of Magog, the prince who rules over the nations of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him.” [NLT]

 

Some have suggested Gog is an individual since Ezekiel suggest this was the name of a prince (or king). I has been suggest Gog is someone related to Samaritans. Eastern Europeans are connected. One theory suggest the land of Magog may be Russia (or USA). Mention of the chief prince of Meshech suggests a central Asia location such as, Afghanistan, Pakistan. Tubal is said to be Turkey. In verse 5 they are joined by Persia, Cush (Ethiopia and Sudan), Put (Libya) and Gomer (Southern Russia). The ancient historian Josephus suggested Gomer became the Gauls (Celts). Theoretically these nations (if strictly geographical) may divide down religious lines.

 

However, they seem to only be the leaders, “They came up across the whole earth and surrounded the saints’ camp, the city that God loves. But fire came down from heaven and consumed them” [Revelation 10: 9 CEB]. The result:  “Then the devil who had deceived them, was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet also were. There painful suffering will be inflicted upon them day and night, forever and always." [20:10 CEB]

 

So why is Satan allowed to deceive and lead this group? Maybe the better question is why does humanity fall for it? It could be a problem with being unwilling to submit to God. It could be fueled by religious hatred for God. It could be misguided by generations of culture. However, it happens, rebelling against God has been the human default sin Adam sinned.

 

Talk about something that is “systemic.” We have knowingly, willingly, or unconsciously engrained our rebellion into every aspect of life and culture. It’s sad, we have pushed, propagated, and proudly marched to the drumbeat of sin. Trouble is that drum is beaten by Satan and the tune is death. God’s laws are our owner’s manual for life. It guides us in marriage, finances, raising kids and much more. They are there for our safety. If we shipwreck our lives, it’s not God’s fault.

 

Next time we will look at the logical result of our rebellion. Stay tuned!