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"The earth is degenerating these days. Bribery and corruption abound. Children no longer mind their parents. Everyone wants to write a book, and it is evident the end of the world is fast approaching." Sounds like the evening news or tomorrow's headlines, doesn't it? The truth is this description of society was found inscribed on an Assyrian tablet dated 2000 B.C. Jurgen Moltmann, professor of theology at the University of Tubingen, West Germany, shares this modern observation concerning our anxious age: The nightmare of Armageddon has replaced the political vision of hope for life, freedom, and justice throughout the world: The monster of the nuclear apocalypse is felt everywhere. "Apocalypse Now" is not only a film title; people everywhere are hearing the bells of the world's clock ring for the last time. "Five minutes to twelve" is a running introduction to new terror reports, be it about environmental pollution, about methods of mass extermination or about the starvation of millions in the Third World.
Could we be on the verge of Armageddon, today? As General Douglas MacArthur supervised the signing of the peace treaty with Japan on September 2, 1945, he said, "We have had our last chance, if we will not devise something greater and more equitable (than war), Armageddon will be at our door." We often speak of "the battle of Armageddon," but nowhere does the Bible use that phrase. In Revelation 16:14 though, Jesus tells John the demonic spirits will go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty." And in Revelation 16:15 "...they (demonic spirits) will gather the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.
The term Armageddon comes from two Hebrew words, har Megiddo, the mount of Megiddo or hill of Megiddo. Megiddo means "place of troops" or "place of slaughter." It's also called the Plain of Esdraelon and the Valley of Jezreel. Megiddo lay on a plain rather some sixty miles north of Jerusalem on the southwest edge of the Jezreel Valley. Historically it was the place where major battles between Israel and enemy nations took place. Fourteen miles wide and twenty miles long, the Jezreel or Megiddo Valley has seen Barak defeat the armies of Canaan. Gideon turn away the Midianites, and King Saul lose his life. Titus and the Roman army used the valley as a corridor, as did the Crusaders. The Turkish armies were defeated there in 1917.
Although a valley would have worked well as an image of end-time judgment, some suggest Megiddo may appear here as a mountain to symbolize its stature or as a contrast to Mount Zion, where in some traditions the Messiah would do battle with the gathered nations. In any case, Armageddon is symbolic of the final defiance of humanity against God. Even on the day when human history ends and Jesus returns like "a thief" in the night, the wicked will still gather their forces for one last stand against the Lord rather than repent. In contrast, a beatitude or blessing is pronounced for those saints who are dressed in moral purity and righteous deeds and are ready for the coming of Christ.
While it may appear that the armies of the world are gathering on their own, Jesus tells John in Revelation 16:12-14 this is all according to God's plan. God would send the sixth angel to pour his bowl to dry up the great river Euphrates to prepare the way for kings from the East. God would allow the satanic trinity; the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, through demonic powers, to influence the nations and cause them to gather their armies. The demonic spirits will work miracles to impress leaders to make them cooperate. To Gentile nations, Armageddon may appear to be a coming battle of their making, but to God, it will be a "supper" for the fowls of the air" (Rev. 19:17-21). The gathering of armies, alignments of nations, and worldwide opposition to God won't stop the Lord from fulfilling His Word and achieving His purposes. The world may think it's free to do as it pleases, but it is accomplishing the plans and purposes of God.
Every generation of Christians has been able to identify with the events of Revelation 16:14-16. There has always been a beast to oppress the people of God and a false prophet to try to lead them astray. We have always been on the verge of an Armageddon as nations wage war, sad as it is. But in these last days, these events will accelerate, and the prophecies of the Bible will be fulfilled. Will the church be around on earth to suffer in those final days? Only God knows. But anyone still living will have to endure the rule of the Anti-Christ.
There is a blessing, however, in Revelation 16:15 and it applies to all of us: "Behold, I (Jesus) come as a thief. Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed." Those who are righteous are urged to remain righteous without compromise, for terrible times are coming; but Jesus will come when the world doesn't expect him. Therefore, let's keep our lives clean, stay alert, and faithful. The earliest Christians thought they were living in the last days. You know what? They were right! Only the last days lasted a lot longer than anyone ever expected! It's understandable some Christians have grown impatient over the centuries and have tried to speed things up. I love what someone once said about the return of the Lord. "God didn't put me on the Time and Place Committee; He put me on the Preparation Committee." Our job isn't to speculate about times and seasons, but to make sure we are living as God wants us to live -- sisters and brothers to one another -- here and now.
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Rev. Charles Eldredge is a member of Maitland Church of the Brethren. He has a Facebook page and can be contacted by email: ce1133 @verizon.net.