Scripture Focus

“In this way, I will show my greatness and holiness, and I will make myself known to all the nations of the world. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”
— Ezekiel 38:23 (NLT)

“In this way, I will make known my holy name among my people of Israel. I will not let anyone bring shame on it. And the nations, too, will know that I am the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. That day of judgment will come, says the Sovereign Lord. Everything will happen just as I have declared it.”
— Ezekiel 39:7–8 (NLT)

“Everyone in Israel will help, for it will be a glorious victory for Israel when I demonstrate my glory on that day, says the Sovereign Lord. In this way, I will demonstrate my glory to the nations. Everyone will see the punishment I have inflicted on them and the power of my fist when I strike.”
— Ezekiel 39:13, 21 (NLT)

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Reflection

The events unfolding in Israel right now are sobering. As we watch the news and hear about the war with Hamas, Qatar’s involvement, and the rise of antisemitism across the world, we are reminded that Israel will always be at the center of God’s prophetic plan. What Ezekiel wrote thousands of years ago in chapters 38–39 is not just ancient history—it is prophecy pointing toward the final chapters of this world’s story.

God says He will allow the nations to come against Israel so that He Himself can step in. The repeated refrain is clear: “Then they will know that I am the Lord.” His purpose is not only to defend Israel but to reveal His greatness, holiness, and glory to the entire world.

Revelation 20 takes this even further, showing that after Christ reigns for a thousand years, Satan will once again deceive the nations—called “Gog and Magog”—to rise up against God’s people. But just like in Ezekiel, God swiftly and powerfully crushes the rebellion. Both passages remind us that no matter how fierce the opposition, God always has the final word.

So how do we respond today, in light of these sobering truths and the conflicts we are seeing with our own eyes? Jesus said, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him” (Matthew 24:44). Paul wrote, “Let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6). And Peter reminds us, “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11–12).

God’s Word is unfolding before us. The headlines we read today are not accidents; they are reminders that prophecy is alive and true. These things must happen—but for us as believers, they are not reasons for fear. They are calls to readiness, holiness, and urgency in sharing the gospel.

And so the question presses in on us: knowing these things are happening, and that they will happen, how should I be living—and how am I living right now?

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Lesson for Me

The world is on God’s timeline, not man’s. Wars, rumors of wars, and rising hatred of Israel all remind me that Jesus is coming soon. My responsibility is to live ready—watching, praying, and walking in holiness—so that my life reflects His glory while I wait for Him.

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Application Questions
1.How does watching Israel’s wars through the lens of prophecy strengthen my faith in God’s Word?
2.Am I living with the urgency that Jesus could return at any moment, or have I grown spiritually complacent?
3.Knowing these events are happening—and will happen—how should I be living? How am I living right now?
4.What areas of my life need to be surrendered so I can live holy and godly, as Peter instructs?
5.Who around me still needs to hear the gospel before it is too late?

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Prayer 🙏

Lord, the times we are living in are serious, and the events in Israel remind me that Your Word is true and unfolding before my eyes. Keep me watchful, prayerful, and holy as I wait for Your return. Give me a heart that longs for Your glory to be revealed to all nations. Use me as Your witness today, to point others to Jesus before it is too late. Strengthen my faith so I will not be shaken by fear, but stand firm in the hope of Your victory. Amen.

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Journaling Reminder ✍️

Take a few quiet moments before the Lord. Ask Him to show you what in your life needs to change so that you are living watchfully and ready for His return. Write down what He speaks—whether it’s an area of holiness to pursue, a person to share the gospel with, or a fresh encouragement to stay faithful.

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Takeaway

The end times are unfolding before our eyes—so let me live watchful, prayerful, and holy, ready for the return of my Lord.