E 191: The Real Truth about Armageddon - A Valley of Decision (Part 3)

ONE DAY CLOSER with Mark & Dave

Our text today (Revelation 16:12-16) as we explore scriptures surrounding Har-Magedon, should help us understand what Armageddon is; where is it located; what will happen there; and when will it begin.

First, Har-Magedon is a Hebrew compound word, meaning “mountain of Megiddo,” which is located in North central Israel.
Many mountains come together to form this great valley. In this valley many battles were fought, many trade routes were established and many people traveled through here, thru’out time, as it was a natural crossroad to get to many places in the Middle East. It is also known that this area included conflict, division and decision.

But the battle of Armageddon points us to something much bigger than a simple valley or a physical future war. It is a symbol of a spiritual battle being fought for each one of us. John specifically uses “Mountain of Megiddo” or Har-Magedon, language used in Revelation 16 to point us back to the showdown on Mount Carmel.

The most significant mountain by the valley of Megiddo - by any measure - is Mount Carmel, where Elijah called the nation of Israel to make a decision FOR or AGAINST God. In 1 Kings 18:21 he asked, “how long halt ye between two opinions?
The true issue or message behind Armageddon is more than real estate or military dominance. It is a symbol of the ultimate controversy when the destiny of every person on earth is going to be settled once and for all. It is the battle that decides whether or not Christ is your Lord.

Which God will you serve? The god of self? The god of money? Or the God of Heaven?

Revelation 19:11-16 is a description of the resolution of the great conflict. This is the climax of the battle for your eternity. Jesus Christ returns to set the record straight…sin and suffering will be done away with once and for all.

Revelation 16:20-21 describes those who are not ready for Christ to come. There is no need to be among them! Revelation 22:11 acknowledges that not all will choose God.

Is John describing a physical battle? Are all the people of the world going to get on planes to hang out in the region of Har-Magedon. I don’t think so. The clue about the frogs being demons tells us that this is a spiritual battle. “Our war is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph 6:12). “Heavenly” just means the places we can’t see, the spiritual world.

John uses the ancient reference of Armageddon to remind people that when God moves in the physical world, he’s also moving in the spiritual world. John is saying that this great battle in the vision is God’s will being accomplished.

Armageddon isn’t a place…it’s an event…a spiritual battle of conflict and decision.

And now is the time for you to choose God. There are four types of people remaining at the end (see Revelation 22:11-12). Be the latter two characters.

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