Daily devotion – A modern world in panic mode ill -prepared!
Living by Every Word of God
How quickly our modern society reveals its lack of resolve and the weakness of its foundations when it comes to coping with crisis. The war in the Middle East has been going only a matter of days—since the 28th of February to be exact—yet already the share market has trembled, fuel prices have skyrocketed, and people are stocking up in fear.
How would this generation compare to those who endured the great world wars?
World War I lasted from July 28, 1914, to November 11, 1918.
World War II ran from September 1, 1939, to September 2, 1945.
Four years and six years of global war. Entire populations lived with strict curfews, constant uncertainty, and rationing of essential goods. Many today would struggle to cope with such conditions, yet Scripture indicates that difficult times still lie ahead.
However, when we read Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, we see that before a great invasion from the north takes place, Israel will experience a period of peace.
Ezekiel 38:1–6
This is another message that came to me from the LORD:
“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.
Give him this message from the Sovereign LORD: Gog, I am your enemy! I will turn you around and put hooks in your jaws to lead you out with your whole army—your horses and charioteers in full armor and a great horde armed with shields and swords. Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya will join you, too, with all their weapons. Gomer and all its armies will also join you, along with the armies of Beth-togarmah from the distant north, and many others.”
The prophet Ezekiel tells us more than once that this future attack will occur when Israel is living in peace.
Ezekiel 38:8
“In the distant future you will swoop down on the land of Israel, which will be enjoying peace after recovering from war and after its people have returned from many lands to the mountains of Israel.”
Ezekiel 38:10–11
“This is what the Sovereign LORD says: At that time evil thoughts will come to your mind, and you will devise a wicked scheme. You will say, ‘Israel is an unprotected land filled with unwalled villages! I will march against her and destroy these people who live in such confidence!’”
Ezekiel 38:14
“Therefore, son of man, prophesy against Gog. Give him this message from the Sovereign LORD: When my people are living in peace in their land, then you will rouse yourself.”
These passages remind us that there is coming a time when Israel will experience peace after war. This tells us that the present conflict will not simply continue endlessly. Yet at the same time, the current tensions are laying groundwork within God’s sovereign plan.
How remarkable that we do not need to rely solely on the world’s so-called experts to understand where history is heading. The Bible reveals to us the broad outline—and even many intricate details—of our world’s future.
As believers, we are to be people directed by the Word of God. Because of this, we do not live in darkness while the world stutters and stammers about what might happen next. We can know with certainty because we are people of the Book.
Have you read the book of Daniel?
Do you know the book of Revelation?
Have you studied the prophet Ezekiel?
Let us remember what Jesus said:
Luke 4:4
“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’”
Reading and knowing the Word of God transforms an anxious, worried, panicked soul into a calm, assured, and expectant child of God who is looking for the return of the Saviour.
So the question today is simple:
Which are you—and your family?