Sunday: Gog Summoned: Ezekiel 38:1-7
Despite the power represented by the united coalition of Gog’s forces, and although they completely surround Israel, still it is God who has “…put hooks into your jaws” (Ezekiel 38:4). It is actually God who is “pulling the strings.” Gog is but a puppet through which the Almighty One will show the world His own majesty and His love for Israel. He recommends to Gog that he “prepare” himself, but Gog’s best won’t be good enough!
Monday: Gog’s Self-Confidence: Ezekiel 38:8-13
The reestablished, reunited nation of Israel looks like easy pickings. They are wealthy, are established on prime real estate, and are in possession of some of the highest regarded holy places on earth. The scent of their wealth and their supposed weakness to defend themselves are perhaps the very hook God uses to draw this mighty army forth against His people. It would appear to Gog that his overwhelming force will find Israel an easy slaughter. This confidence will be his undoing.
Tuesday: Gog Challenged: Ezekiel 38:14-23
God unleashes His fury against Gog as the powerful army enters the land of Israel. A seven-fold coalition, who thought their task easier than an afternoon stroll, will be faced with a seven-fold catastrophe: (1) a mighty earthquake (Ezekiel 38:20); (2) the sword (Ezekiel 38:21); (3) pestilence (Ezekiel 38:22); (4) bloodshed (Ezekiel 38:22); (5) a deluge of rain (Ezekiel 38:22); (6) great hailstones (Ezekiel 38:22); and (7) with fire and brimstone (Ezekiel 38:22). The result of Gog’s defeat is primarily two-fold. Despite the power of their enemies, God will keep His promise to Israel in protecting them. The ultimate purpose will be that God will be glorified to the nations—the Great I Am, the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Holy One of Israel!
Wednesday: Gog Shattered: Ezekiel 39:1-8
Gog invades Israel with all gusto, only to be thoroughly routed. In fact, over 83% (5/6 of the enemy coalition) are annihilated! Only the sixth part of Gog’s forces are left to run home. This isn’t any mere “win” or marginal victory. Perhaps the most devastating military alliance known to mankind will come against Israel only to be completely shattered.
Thursday: The Land Cleansed: Ezekiel 39:9-16
The huge annihilation of Gog’s forces will leave a massive mess of corpses and debris. Israel will be faced with the mopping up process, which will take considerable time to complete. The heaps of ruined military equipment will take seven years to deal with, while burial of the corpses will take a full seven months. The world will know God’s power and majesty.
Friday: Feasts for Beasts: Ezekiel 39:17-20
Carrion-eating birds and beasts will enjoy a feast at God’s invitation, as there will be so many corpses piled up it will be impossible to bury them all quickly. Any bones left behind will be buried. The defeat is so humiliating, that the Lord refers to Gog and his allies as rams, lambs, goats, and bullocks.
Saturday: Divine Compassion: Ezekiel 39:21-29
Israel will learn a valuable lesson from God’s incredible protection of them: God is sovereign! He had demonstrated His sovereignty by judging His people and sending them into exile. But a new period in Israel’s history has begun as God’s compassion embraces them in divine unfathomable love. This will cause them to “…have borne their shame” (Ezekiel 39:26), as they are shamed for their past sinful actions. Now, restored to God by the new covenant, the Holy Spirit will be poured out upon them.