Mount Megiddo- The Unstoppable Victory of Jesus

I. Introduction

So far in our series on Mountainous Redemption We have looked at 3 mountain tops from the Holy land and seen how God has used each of these mountains in the story of Redemption

On Mount Sinai -= God Gave mankind the Law- The Law that showed us Gods Perfect Character and the standard by which all mankind will be judged.

On Mount Nebo - We saw how our sin is what keeps us from entering God’s Promised land, We saw God’s Grace on display in the redemptive story as He stood next to Moses looking into the promised land even though He was unable to enter because of his sin.

last week

we looked at Mount Moriah Known today as the Temple Mount. The place where God gave Abraham a substitute Sacrifice, giving us a picture of Jesus Christ who would one day be hung on Mount Calvary just a short walk away as the sacrificial lamb for all of those who believe in His name on .

Do you see the story of Redemption unfolding on these mountain tops?

Today we are going to look at our 4th Mountain together.

But this mountain is different- It tells a story that is yet to come.

I have to say that as we toured Israel in May this was one of the most sobering places we visited, and Probably the most motivating place for me personally.

Picture1 of the Mountain, Taken from Getty Images

This place was amazing- We walked on a trail from the base of this Mound rising up to the 15-acre summit at the top top.

Once we were there, we could see excavated buildings, walls, waterways , and the remains of an elaborate gate systems. All from the first century Roman empire.

Archeologist have discovered that this Roman fortress was built on the foundation of 25 previous civilizations.

with the first Canaanite city being built on this spot 5000 years ago.

Picture 2 - The underground spring

Even to this day there is still a fresh water spring running through this Mountain. P

It is a place where man has inhabited and built cities since before the Flood of Noah.

But what is most impressive about this mountain is not the mountain itself or the many civilizations that have built it up to this hight but the view that it beholds.

Picture 3 The Jezreel Valley

As you move to the north east edge of this archeological mound, You have a magnificent view of the valley below—known in the Bible as the Jezreel valley

This vast plain separates the Galilean hills in the East from the Carmel mountains to the North and the Madabah Mountain Range to the west and Mount Gilboa to the south.

iT is literally a 236 square Mile flat plain with valley access from every one of its four corners.

The immensity of this valley is so astonishing that when Napoleon Bonaparte first viewed it, he was reported to have said, “All the armies of the world could maneuver their forces on this vast plain. . . . There is no place in the whole world more suited for war than this. . . . [It is] the most natural battleground of the entire earth” (Cline 2002: 142; ellipses and brackets original).

Napoleon could not have gotten the description of this plain more accurate. in fact, There are 34 recorded World battles that have been fought in this valley below Mount Megiddo..

But Why this valley is so infamous is not because of one of these battles from history, but because it is the location for the greatest battle that will ever take place in Human history. A battle that the Bible says is yet to come.

Today, I want us to walk through this story together.

How many of you consider yourselves a bookworm?

Do you know what the structure of a good story is?

Introduction,

the begin of the story that gives you the characters , the background and the setting for what is about to take place,

Rising Action-

the events that unfold the conflict that is building up and then you come to the

CLIMAX-

The turning point of the story- the point that everything builds up to

falling action-

where the resolution begins

Conclusion

the Final outcome f the story.

Lets begin our story with ..

The Introduction: The Stage Is Set

The Bible tells that One day Jesus will return for his church . He will take them up into the clouds to meet the Lord in the Air. This is called

the rapture.

We dont know when it will happen, but Jesus says in John 14:3 “ I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am there you may be also,”

He tells is followers to stand ready looking for his return.

Fiends Jesus is coming back for his church- This is the next Biblical event in our human history.

When He comes back he will takes all believers both dead and Alive, out of this world and instantly into heaven where there will be a feast.

But on earth after all of the christians are gone, it will be anything but a feast-

the Anti Christ- The Bible tells us That when the Christian are gone- Satan is ready to rule. He has a plan to raise up a man who will rule this world under his Satanic power and control.

The Bible tells us This mans name will be called the Beast or the Anti Christ-

In fact the Bible says that this man will promises world peace, and the entire world will make him their ruler.

2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 ESV

3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.

He is called the anti Christ because He is everything Jesus is not

He is lier, he is cheater, he is selfish & dishonest and does all things for his own glory.

He will persuade mankind that there is no room for Jesus or his word.

And the Bible tells us that He will have 7 years to rule this earth and to persuade all of mankind to follow Him as their God. We call this 7 years the Tribulation.

for 3 1/2 years the Anti Christ will lead in a way that seems to be good for everybody.

They will have one world government,

One monetary system

One way that everyone feels valued and equal.

he will deceive them in to thinking He is doing all things for their good.

But after these 3 1/2 years of peace the Bible tells us that God will open up HIs judgement down upon mankind for their rebellion.

and For next 3 1/2 years God will send one Judgement after another.

As God begins to judge mankind, the bible says that a few people will turn to Jesus as their savior but the vast majority will become more & more obstinate and rebellious against God because of his judgement upon their lives.

And it is at the end of this seven year period that the Story of our is about to take place.

Today, Our Big idea is that despite all the might and power that Satan and humanity will build up, Jesus Christ will stand victorious.

the Plot has thickened, The stage is set- Mankind has grown deep in their rebellion, Satan’s man the Anti Christ know as the Beast has blinded mankinds eyes to the truth,

Lets Move on into the Rising Action of this Story -

The Rising Action: The Armies Assemble for War

please turn with me in your Bibles to Revelation 16:16

Revelation 16:16 ESV

16 And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

Has any one here ever heard of the Battle of Armageddon?

This battle takes Place in the valley that Mount Meggido Over looks.

The valley that Mount Meggido has defended for over 5000 years.

Here we see the gathering storm as humanity, under the persuasion of Satan himself, gathers together in this valley to make its last desperate attempt to thwart the power of God over their lives.

Dr David Jeremiah has said that He believes that all of mankind who have not accepted Jesus Christ will be standing in this crowd ready for the battle Because they are so unified under the influence of Satan.

Satan has deceived them into thinking that together they would be more power than God .

Does that tactic of Satan sound kind of Familiar?

In Genesis 3:1

Genesis 3:1 ESV

1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”

Genesis 3:4–5 ESV

4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Friends, we need to understand that Satan has one Purpose for our lives and that is to deceive us into thinking that we dont need God in our lives.

VALLEY PICTURE SLIDE

Friends this valley will be filled with the best of the best.

This army will be filled with the world’s greatest generals, The world’s most powerful leaders and the world’s strongest soldiers.

It will be a culmination of every secret and powerful weapon mankind has ever dreamed up.

Illustration : The Movie armagedon- All of mankind come together to fight for their survival, Nations non longer matter they are all unified in one purpose and that is to defeat their enemy God Himself.

Brothers and sisters,This valley will be completely filled with people from every corner of this earth. Standing shoulder to shoulder ready for the battle because they have been completely deceived by Satan and will stand unified in their deep hatred towards God.

Christians we need to understand that unless someone accepts Jesus as their Savior they will be standing in this battle field.

Do you understand that if Christ would return today, that this battle could happen in just over 7 years .

That means that the people around us today could very possibly be standing deceived by Satan in this valley.

As this human army assembles on the ground under the influence of Satan another Army is being assembled in Heaven under the power of Jesus.

Remember where all the Christians are?

In Heaven at a feast

In Revelation 19: 6 -10 We see a glimps of this feast called The Marriage supper of the Lamb - This is the wedding Ceremony of Jesus Christ and His church

and now in verse 11 this marriage feast is over- and Jesus is leaving Heaven and coming to earth with His army ready for the battle.

The Rising Action of our story Continues to highten… We now have ...

THE ARRIVAL OF KING JESUS

Revelation 19:11–16 (ESV)

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

As the vast crowds stand Ready for war united in their deep rebellion against God. Ready to fight

John says the heavens themselves open up - the Clouds pull away and the people see their opponent coming down on a white horse wearing a white rob that is dripping with Blood- They See Jesus in all of His glory ready for the battle.

Friends, There is no other passage in all of Scripture that describes Jesus Christ in all of his glory with Such power and Might as these verses in Rev. 19

I think too many of us have a very limited perspective of who Jesus fully is.

We love to think of Jesus as the humble servant, sacrificing his own pleasure for the good of others.

we love to think of Jesus as the one who willingly forgives all our sins.

We love to think ofJesus as the one who accepts all people regardless of who they once were.

We love the a meek and gentle Jesus that humble gave his life for our own.

But friends that is only a glimpse of who he truly is.

He is completely all of these things , But dont lose sight of who he is in all of His majesty and glory and power.

He is Faithful and True

HE is Righteous

He is the Judge for Man’s rebellion against God

He stands ready to make War with those who appose Him

His eyes are like a flame of Fire

He is clothed in a robe dipped in Blood of those who have been slain

His army is vast and ready for the battle at his command

From His mouth comes a sword that has the power to destroy all of his opponents

He will rule mankind with an Iron Rod

He Holds the power in his hands to release the wrath of God- like juice flowing from the wine press

and On his Robe and on his thigh He has written his own title -

KING OF KIINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

Friends there is no one like Jesus- He is above all things, there is no one that has ever even come close to him in power and Majesty

The stage for war is Set

on one side We have all of mankind,

full of sin, full of selfishness, full of rebellion towards God,

and on the other side We have Jesus ..The king of Kings and Lord of Lords coming down from Heaven in all of his splendor ,with his army robed in white and ready to rule this world righteously at his side.

We have come to the Climax of our Story:

THE CLIMAX : the Battle of Armageddon

Revelation 19:17–18 (ESV)

17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.”

As the Battle is about to begin an Angel shouts out to all the vultures flying high in the sky to get ready to come to this valley because the wrath OF Jesus is about to pour out on mankind- The birds of earth have been called to come and feast on the flesh of kings and generals, and all of humanity that has stood in rebellion against God.

Revelation 19:19–21 (ESV)

19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21 And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.

The Beast is standing ready for battle with all of the world’s greatest leaders and mightiest warriors, and in an instance Jesus captures the beast and His prophet - Satans Most Powerful follower of ALL TIME- and He cast them alive into the lake of fire. Their eternal punishment is sealed for ever.

and then in verse 21 we see that Jesus simply opened up his mouth and mightily strikes down every one of his foes with his voice.

Friends ,Jesus is the one who had the power to speak everything into existence and he will one day be the one to speak instant judgement on the rebellion of mankind. Thats who King Jesus is. He is the king of all kings and Lord of all Lords

In an instant the battle was over The Climax has Ended- Jesus has proven His power and might.

And Did you notice what Happened after the Battle in verse 21?

The Falling Action: - The Birds feasted

Vs 21- after Jesus defeated every one who was there the Bible says that the birds eat their flesh like a feast.

Friends when King Jesus Comes Back to this earth He is coming with the judgment from God.

He is coming to bring punished to all who rebelled against His Word.

What a story we have in Scripture. The One who spoke mankind into existence is the same one who will speak judgement upon all who rebellion against His will.

Lets Bring our story Home- The CONCLUSION

The Conclusion:Bring it Home

The mountain of Meggido is an important part of the Redemption story because it for shadows the Battle of Armageddon. The place where Jesus will prove his final victory over Satan and mans sinfulness.

As we close,

I want us to consider three things that this story should do for us as believers.

1 It should Motivate Redemptive Relationships with those who dont know Jesu as their Savior

Remember the next event in human history will be the Rapture of the church- those who have been saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ.

And once this happens the great deceiver himself will have reign over this earth and the bible tells us that the vast majority of mankind will willingly follow his deception into eternity.

2.It Reminds us of the Final Victory

This future gathering should serve as a reminder for us today that the powers of darkness may appear strong and united against us, but they are ultimately no match for the sovereignty and power of our Lord in our lives.

Friends Satan hates you if you are a believe in Jesus - and He is going to do everything He can to get you to sin. He wants to destroy your faith so that you will not glorify God with Your life.

Remember who wins the battle- Jesus Christ- The lies of Satan will all be defeated. Dont Be fooled by his lies.

Let this story give you the confidence you need to stand firm in Christ and to run away from the temptations of Satan and His lies.

finally let this story encourage you to Right Worship.

3. It Encourages Right Worship,

Christians Because we know who Jesus is in all of his majesty and glory, We should fully worship him now as his church.

Dont just worship him as the humble Savior, but worship him for all that He is.

Worship the creator who spoke all things into existence, Worship

Worship Him Because He is Faithful and true,

Worship Hi BecauseHe is the righteous judge,

Worship Him as the mighty conqueror ,

.Worship Him as the the Savior of the church,

Worship Him as the supreme ruler over all creation,

Worship him Because he is the one who knows all things,

WORSHIP HIM AS king of Kings and Lord of Lords

Dont what until you get to heaven to worship him in all his glory.

Lets Pray

Friends