We walked the dusty pathway up to Megiddo, up in the Galilee of Northern Israel. An ancient place, before the government made it a tourist site, no other visitors in sight. I’d not brought my tennis shoes to the Holy Land, thinking I’d walk as the Savior did, in sandals. This day, I regretted my decision.
The ground had sharp stones peeking out, Thorns, like those upon Lord Jesus’ head on the cross, grew up along the way. The climb was somewhat steep, without a handrail, and uneven. Without enough traction, I slipped.
But Megiddo awaited. Our tour guide, our cousin, a local pastor, led the way.
Megiddo is the location of a former Canaanite city and later a royal city of ancient Israel during the time of King Solomon. (1Kings 9:15) From its peak, the Jezreel Valley can be seen, where several battles were fought. This is the location where King Josiah of Israel fell. (2Kings 23:29)
In the New Testament, the same location is called Armageddon in Greek. It means “place of crowds” in the original Hebrew. (Revelation 16:16)
Armageddon is the location of the last war before the return of Lord Jesus. The Jezreel Valley will be full of armies from around the world, gathered together for “the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.” (Revelation 16:13-16)
Lord Jesus states in the middle of revealing about the coming war at Armageddon, “(Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.” Revelation 16:15)
Are you ready for Lord Jesus’ return? Are you appropriately dressed?
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10)
Don’t be found naked, without salvation, without righteousness, without good works. (Revelation 19:7-8)
Those without the covering of Christ will walk in shame.
War is coming. Lord Jesus is coming.
“But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)
(C) 2020 Kelly Jadon