“I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem for battle…… then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle.”  Zechariah 14:2, 7.

I had an interesting day today!  As part of my Covid-19 treatment, I had to see a Pulmonologist and have him diagnose the condition of my lungs.  I noticed the walls in his office were filled with pictures of Arab people, his office had diplomas from Universities in the Middle East with names I couldn’t pronounce.  The ladies on his office staff were lovely, very friendly and the doctor was kind and considerate.  My heart breaks when I realize these lovely, intelligent people have no idea who Jesus Christ is nor his claims on their lives!

As I was leaving his office, I decided to make a side trip to one of my favorite ladies’ dress shops.  I noticed the sign on the door said, “Masks not required if you have been vaccinated.”  What a great relief!  I can breathe while I shop!  I had not only been vaccinated, but I had a serious bout with covid.  I probably had enough antibodies for everyone in the store!  A saleslady came up to me wearing a black mask which said, “JESUS is greater than Covid-19.”  I told her how much I liked her mask and we got into a spiritual conversation.  She told me most people liked her mask, only one woman was offended!  I said, “With everything that’s going on in the world, I think Jesus is coming soon, don’t you?”  She answered, “Yes, and it can’t be soon enough for me!  You wouldn’t believe how many people come in here and say that!”  Then she said, “Thank you so much, our conversation just made my day!”  The feeling was mutual!  As I walked from the store, I thought there is nothing like meeting another Christian in an unexpected place and enjoying a few minutes of “Jesus” together!  They are little “God moments” He gives to believers to refresh us and remind us of His presence.

It brought to mind my last trip to the Holy Land when I stood on the hill overlooking Armageddon, or the Plain of Megiddo.”  Today, it is a vast, fertile, fruited valley, 24 miles long and 14 miles wide.  It is the only level ground in Israel where a million soldiers could muster.  This is where Joshua fought the Canaanite kings in Joshua 12, where Deborah battled the Moabites in Judges 5, where Gideon and his three hundred men beat the Midianites in Judges 7, and where Saul was defeated in 1 Samuel 31.  King Josiah, also, met his end in 2 Chronicles 35.  More recently, this is where General Allenby defeated the Turkish Army and liberated Palestine in 1918, leading the way for the establishment of the nation of Israel in 1948.

Bible scholars differ on eschatology, but Revelation 16:13-16 refers to a time when the “dragon, the beast and the false prophet” will gather to battle God Almighty at a place called Armageddon.  God will avenge His people and send lightning, thunder, earthquakes, famines, intense heat, plagues, and nations will collapse.  A plague of giant hailstones will fall on the soldiers but they will curse God because of the hail.  No repentance from these people!

In Revelation 19, Jesus, also called Faithful and True, with eyes like blazing fire, with many crowns on his head will ride out of heaven.  He will be followed by the army of the saints dressed in fine, white linen.  Jesus, as King of Kings and Lord of Lords will defeat the enemies of evil and all those who worshiped them.  It will be a great day for those who have received Jesus as their Savior!  We are on the winning side!  Sometimes in the world of today, it looks like defeat, but make no mistake, we will prevail!!

Your friend, Jean