Day 24 – Armageddon – maybe you’ve heard of it
Read Daniel 11: 36-45 and 12:1
In today’s verses, the antichrist is once again in view and God reveals some details of a final battle that will take place between evil forces and the forces of heaven. The Bible teaches that after the Church is raptured out of this world, the Tribulation period (the seventieth week) will immediately be inaugurated here on earth. That sets the stage for the great conflict between the Satanic opposition and Israel. The term “Armageddon” is a reference to an extended plain in northern Palestine reaching from the mountain of Megiddo to the Mediterranean. The war is not a singular battle but rather a war involving many different battles and skirmishes taking place throughout Palestine.
A covenant will first be made between Antichrist and Israel which will bring peace for three and one-half years. Israel will grow to trust this new leader of the revived Roman Empire. Ezekiel 38 tells us that the armies of the North (many scholars think this refers to Russia and her allies) will invade Israel and do battle with “unwalled cities” – cities who have let their guard down because they trusted the Antichrist. Next, Daniel 11:40 describes a battle between northern kingdoms and armies from the south on the plain of Armageddon. Just as things are about to explode, God will intervene with fire and hail and brimstone to show the world He is still in charge, (Ezekiel 38:23).
With the armies of the north and south now decimated, Daniel 11:41 tells us the Antichrist will move his armies into the “Beautiful Land” (i.e. Palestine). At this point, the armies of the east (Asian nations) will begin to march toward Palestine. The stage is now set for this final, incredible battle. The remaining armies of the north and the south that survived are in the area, the European confederation under the leadership of the Antichrist are waiting, and suddenly the Asian troops march in. All these forces congregated in one place to do battle with tiny Israel. At this point, Jesus Christ appears and will show everyone who is really the boss! Revelations 19:11 tells us Christ the King appears on a white horse and in righteousness he judges and makes war. When the nations that are gathered together against Jerusalem see the Lord’s armies coming, they forget about each other and band together to fight against the Lord. Revelation 19:21 speaks to the fate of those who decide to go up against the Lord (it’s not good).
Christ subdues all His enemies and the Antichrist is thrown into the lake of fire for eternal punishment. Zechariah 14:9 gives us some good news about the outcome of this final battle “The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.”
Q1. What do the following verses say about the end times? Rev. 14:20, 16:15–21, Joel 3:2; Isaiah 34:8-10
Final thought: Some folks confuse the coming of Christ to gather the saints (i.e. the rapture) with the second coming of Christ. At the rapture, Jesus will come in the clouds but will not set foot on the earth. At the second coming, which will be at the end of the Tribulation period, Christ will return on a white horse to do battle with his enemies. His foot will set down on the Mount of Olives and he will march into Jerusalem through the eastern gate to establish His throne and rule the earth as King of Kings.