June 22, The Battle of All Battles

“And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” (Revelation 16:16)

Since the Middle Ages, Bible scholars have ranked angels into nine categories. We are aware of archangels, seraphim, and cherubim. Other categories are based on this verse in Colossians:

--For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him. (Colossians 1:16)

We need to realize two historical facts about this verse. There have been debates over the interpretation of the verse in Colossians and whether there are fewer types. (Some say that seraphim and cherubim are two names for the same.) Also, the Colossians were caught up in a heresy of placing too much emphasis on angels and saying that people had to communicate through them to reach Christ. What matters is that there are a vast number of angels, an amount that God only knows and that they are a potent source of varied servants, warriors, protectors, and messengers subject to no one but God.

In the world we seldom see, there is a violent war going on, and it will end in a visible battle at a place called Armageddon, a flat-top hill (Har means hill, and the place is known as Megiddo.) about 60 miles north of Jerusalem. This is not symbolism! More than 200 battles have been fought there throughout history. In World War I there was a battle between Great Britain and the Ottoman Empire there. Britain won. My favorite battle in history is the one in which the prophetess-judge Deborah (an Israelite wife and mother) and the general Barak led the Israelites to victory over their enemies. (Judges 4-5) Actually the Lord sent bad weather and angels to fight it for them!

Armageddon is a real place with a real battlefield where the outcome of the whole world will be determined in God’s own time. The wicked leaders of the world under the leadership of the anti-Christ will assemble there with their armies,and the angels of the Lord will defeat the evil forces for all times.

If we believe God and have trusted Him to be our Savior, we have no reason to be anxious;for we can look to the blessed hope of the last promise and the last prayer of the Bible:

--He Which testifieth these things saith, “Surely I come quickly Amen.” Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

--The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (Revelation 22:20-21)

The Messiah has told us He will return soon. He’s on His way. When the time is right, His army of angels will defeat the demons in a real physical battle at Armageddon. Once we are on the Lord’s side, we don’t need to be afraid, even though we know the battle of all battles is coming. We can join with John and all the other people He has set apart to say,“Let it be, Lord. Come, blessed Jesus!” While we are waiting for Him, He is reminding us that He loves us. Let’s enjoy His love and share it with other people, as He has instructed us to do.

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