Today we begin our study of a “pair” of chapters from Ezekiel, probably his “prophetic” magnum opus! Ezekiel 38 and 39 concern Bible prophecy, for sure. A denunciation of a bloc of nations, all of whom “hate” Israel!
“And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against ….” Ezekiel 38:1, negative indeed! ” AGAINST …! (Against these godless peoples, but very much FOR the Jews!)
Today I want to tell you “about” this vast Text (again chapters 38 and 39, all 52 verses) before (tomorrow) we begin a more detailed discussion of this Material.
I feel as if I almost have a “history” with this Portion of Scripture.
Two of my Uncles were Preachers, Evangelists actually, and one of them (Dr. Jack Green) loved this Part of Ezekiel. In fact, both delighted in Bible Prophecy! I remember as a young Pastor driving across Atlanta one evening to hear him preach (at a combined Service, a number of Churches participating) Ezekiel 38 and 39, which he entitled “When Russia Marches South!”
Furthermore, as a young boy (probably 13-14 years old, if that) I have memories (sweet ones) of my Grandma Green and Aunt Sadie, their strong love for the Bible. And they let me read some material on Ezekiel 38 and 39 published by Dr. Theodore Epp (a Bible Teacher of that day). I recall trying to catalogue this list of nations, getting into my mind their locations and associations. And delighting to think that my Country (the USA) might stand WITH Israel in those dark days!
Now much later … as an Evangelist myself, I still feel “captivated” by this marvelous Text! And I believe God wants me to preach this two-chapter Unit in God’s Word! To preach it again, having tried several times in my years in the Ministry, back in my days as a Pastor.
I have already ordered the “booklets,” small “Bible Portions” with these two chapters printed therein, a handy way of encouraging folks to repeatedly read the Text as a Revival week proceeds.
So now … the Lord (since we have been traveling through Ezekiel anyway) has given me the opportunity to begin studying this horde of enemies and their attack on the Land of Israel. Pray with me please about this planned preaching endeavor. I KNOW it is of the Lord.
Get ready now.
A lot of “geography” must be discussed, in Ezekiel 38 and 39.
And quite a bit of detail. In fact, it will take several days to cover these two chapters. Taking a “literal” view of its content, not trying to “explain it away,” not merely “spiritualizing” it!
Tomorrow morning, the Lord willing, we shall try to identify these aggressors. We shall all leave that Lesson (I suspect) astounded at the relevance of this part of Ezekiel, its clear connection to the geo-political landscape we’re facing right now on planet earth!
God’s Word, what a Book!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell