In last month's article on Megiddo, we raised the question, "How could today's political leaders be deceived by spiritual powers to move armed forces to Jerusalem to fight Christ at His second coming?" Is there something at the site of Megiddo that can lead to an answer?
by Darris McNeely
Megiddo, an ancient city in northern Israel and site of one of the world's earliest battles, is mentioned in Revelation 16:16 as the gathering place for the armies of the kings of the earth prior to the return of Jesus Christ.
It will be a time of global struggle for world dominion involving the armies of the Beast power and armies from beyond the Euphrates River. They will move toward Jerusalem and the prophesied battle of the Great Day of God Almighty (Revelation 16:14).
How could this happen? What will bring the world to this day of battle and judgment? More importantly, how can you avoid the same deception that will grip our world, sending it careening into battle against God Himself and threatening to bring all life to an end (Matthew 24:22)? This will be a time unlike any we can imagine, and it is critical that you understand the times to avoid the trap of deception.
In Revelation 16:15, right at the peak of the narrative, Jesus Christ injects a warning. "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame."
In Revelation 19:8 we are told the Bride of Christ, the Church, will "be arrayed in fine linen … for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints." Before one can do righteous acts, one must be able to discern between righteousness and unrighteousness. On that point, we can return to the site of Megiddo and learn a lesson about how our world has developed.
