The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Abram was a pagan worshipper of the moon goddess until the LORD called him to trust in Him. In time, the LORD changed Abram’s name to Abraham and from him the Jewish people descended. Israel has always been loved by the LORD. Israel’s sin, however, caused her to be widely scattered among the nations of the world. The LORD’s promise that Israel would return to the land He had given her (Ezk. 37:12) was fulfilled in A.D. 1948, when David Ben-Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel, delivered Israel’s Declaration of Independence. It would seem wise, therefore, that all freedom-loving nations should side with Israel and with the LORD.

The Battle of Gog and Magog

Revelation 20:7-10, “And when the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, 8and will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore. 9And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them. 10And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

Satan does not surrender easily. After being bound for a thousand years, Satan is released for a short time, whereupon he again deceives the nations, gathering them into an army that will attack the land of Israel. Gog and Magog figure closely in this attack. Their identity is best described as that of Russia, the leader of an anti-semitic coalition bent upon Israel’s total annihilation. It is easy to see, therefore, that nations wishing to survive should align with Israel. Dr. John F. Walvoord notes, “Politically the rapid events of the end time form a background to this war. In the end time ten nations will band together under a Roman ruler to form a revived Roman Empire” (Walvoord, Major Bible Prophecies, 329).

The Norwegians are very savvy about world events. Talk of this 10-nation coalition was very much in the news when I was there in 1970s. At that time, Norway was highly suspicious of the United Nations because she did not wish to be positioned against Israel. I understood that, but I understand it even better as time has moved forward. We must always be supportive of Israel. Israel is not without flaws, but as prophecy notes, she is loved by the LORD and He will ultimately fight for her and win.

Ezekiel 38-39

“According to Ezekiel 38-39, Israel will be attacked by a coalition of six nations who will attack Israel from the north at a time when Israel is at peace. These are described as ‘Gog and Magog,’ Gog referring to the ruler and Magog referring to the people. As Ezekiel records, the battle will be a disaster. The entire invading force will be wiped out, and months are needed to restore order and to bury dead bodies…. The history of the race has tested humankind under every poissible circumstance, and in each of these circumstances it has failed, demonstrating beyond any question that only by the grace of God can anyone be saved in any dispensation, and that only by the grace of God can a race of holy people be brought to Heaven” (Walvoord, Major Bible Prophecies pp. 404-405).

There’s a Great Day coming, and “only by the grace of God can anyone be saved…” Check your spiritual life. Do you really know Jesus Christ, or do you just know about Him? If you’re not certain, commit your life to Him right now! Pray a prayer like this —

LORD, I admit that I have sinned against You and I ask You to forgive me.

I know that Jesus died on the Cross for my sins, and I accept Him by faith

as my LORD and Savior. Thank You for saving me! Amen!

Salvation is that simple. Don’t make it difficult. I was saved at seven years of age; I’ve known some who were saved at five and have continued to live for Him. Don’t look for a “feeling”; trust the LORD to have done what He promised: “Believe in the LORD Jesus, and you shall be saved…” (Acts 16:31). I am praying for you.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”