When Bad News Is Good News

When Bad News Is Good News

Ezekiel 38:1–39:29

Main Idea: God always has a purpose and provision for what His people face as He works all things for His glory and their good.

How do you like to receive bad news? If you are like me, then you do not like to receive it at all. I especially dislike when someone informs me they have both good and bad news and ask which I prefer to hear first. Don’t they know that as soon as they say the phrase bad news I cannot hear anything else? If I have to pick, then give me the bad news first. I usually cannot enjoy the good news until I know how bad the bad news really is.

When my wife was pregnant with our youngest son, Alastair, we scheduled a precautionary visit with a perinatologist. We did so because our first child, Arabella, was born with a ventricular septal defect that we did not discover until she was around four weeks old. With each additional child we have sought extra screening so that we would be as informed as possible of their medical condition when they were delivered. On this particular visit with Alastair, the technician conducting the ultrasound noticed something and for a moment forgot to hide her reaction. After a few moments the perinatologist came into our ultrasound room. He apparently noticed whatever the technician had seen because he asked, “Did you see that before?”

She responded, “Yes,” and continued the screening.

When the ultrasound was finished, the doctor requested a picture be printed and then walked with us to an exam room. He placed the picture facedown and asked us what felt like a million questions. One would not need to be Sherlock Holmes to deduce that something was wrong. Because I knew bad news was looming, I prayed and asked for God to calm my anxious heart. Once the doctor got around to discussing the ultrasound picture, he revealed that our son had at least a cleft lip and most likely a cleft palate. He also shared that this “deformity” could be associated with numerous syndromes or disorders, but it was too early tell. To this day I cannot stand how that doctor drug out the process of getting to what we all knew was unpleasant news. I am happy to share, however, that Alastair was born with just a cleft lip. At three months old he underwent surgery to correct his lip. It was successful, and he is currently a precious two-year-old who exudes tenderness and joy.

To hear bad news from a doctor is one thing, but to hear it from God is another. What if God were to let you know that at some point in the distant future—when everything is going extremely well for you and your family—you would be diagnosed with cancer but everything would turn out well? Would you believe Him? Would you be mad? Would you want it another way? What if instead of cancer He said that in the distant future you would lose all your material possessions, or all of your family, but everything is going to work out? Would you believe Him? Would you be mad? Would you want it another way? The good news about God is that all of our bad news will eventually be turned to good news.

In Ezekiel 38–39 the prophet is going to temper all of the good news he has been giving the exiles with a bit of bad news from the Lord. The best part though is the bad news will ultimately be good news. Here is a summary of Yahweh’s message: Many years from now, when you are living in peace, a huge army is going to rise against you. But you should know two things: I am bringing them to you, and I will completely destroy them. Why am I doing this you ask? I have two reasons. First, I will reveal my glory to the nations. Second, I will confirm my word to you that I will never turn My face from you again.

How would you like to receive this message? Would you believe Him? Would you be mad? Would you want it another way? God has a purpose and provision for everything He calls His people to experience. We will see this revealed clearly now as we examine Ezekiel 38–39.

As Jesus Said, We Will Have Suffering in This World

Ezekiel 38:1-16

Just as God’s people were basking in the promises of peace, provision, and God’s presence (37:20-28), they are informed after a long time and in the last years (38:9) trouble will appear on the horizon (vv. 15-16). Specifically, their trouble will come from Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal (v. 2). While they are enjoying peace and living without walls and without bars or gates (v. 11), Gog will lead a huge army to advance against God’s people (vv. 5-6,15-16). The army will comprise seven nations and will come from all corners of the world (vv. 2,5-6). They will be well adorned and heavily armed (v. 4). The mighty horde will advance like the coming of a thunderstorm and will be like a cloud covering the land (vv. 9,16).

How would you react if you received this word from God? Would panic sweep over you? Would you move into preparation mode? Would you not worry about it since it will take place many years from now? If this were all there was to the message, then this would seem like bad news indeed. Remembering God’s promises, however, can often prevent panic in God’s people. God had already told Israel they would dwell securely in their land (34:27). If a massive army is going to come against them, they can choose to believe somehow God will protect His people and keep His promise, or they can choose to believe God has no idea what He is saying. The fact, however, that God is the One informing them of the impending invasion means He must know something. In hearing the remainder of the message, Israel will understand the One in control is not Gog but God.

God does not just control the “who” in this invasion but also the “when.” Ezekiel’s audience is not given a specific date, but they do know it will occur after a long time and in the last years (38:9). So, when is this? Has this event occurred already? Was there a massive group of nations that advanced against Israel many years after their return from exile? We do know other nations like Rome ruled Israel in postexilic times, but we do not know of a situation that exactly fits what Ezekiel is describing. So, again, when will this invasion take place? Will it be within the first three years of the tribulation? Will it be at the end of Christ’s thousand-year reign? Unfortunately, we cannot be more specific than the vision itself. Personally, I believe this battle is yet to occur. Because of John’s employment of some of the elements of this vision (Rev 20:7-10), I lean toward an end-time scenario of some sort, but the bottom line is, this is a prophecy that awaits its complete fulfillment.

The biggest shock in the text is not that Israel will face trouble but that God is the One who will instigate it. At some point in the recent past, I heard someone say, “God’s heart is broken every time evil oversteps its boundaries.” To borrow an agricultural phrase, that is hogwash. To think that evil oversteps its boundaries is simultaneously to think that God is weak and not sovereign. In essence we would be saying, “Oh, God wanted to do something, but tragedy interfered, and He was too weak to stop it,” or “God was distracted counting the hairs on some guy’s head, and this little evil snuck by Him.” God not only sets the boundaries for evil but also enforces them. My accountability partner says, “The Bible does not reveal to us a mostly potent, mostly niscient God but an omnipotent and omniscient One.” Duguid notes, “Gog has his own evil reasons for acting (38:10) but even his wickedly motivated plans can achieve nothing other than what God purposes (38:4)” (Ezekiel, 459).

God’s reign is not limited to the regenerate. He has authority over everyone and everything everywhere. His control even extends to the enemies of His people. This truth is clearly seen in Ezekiel 38. God tells Gog, “I will turn you around” (v. 4) and “I will bring you against My land” (vv. 16-17). Honestly, I have more hope knowing evil has a controlled purpose rather than an uncontrolled one.

In all of His actions, God does not do evil. Gog is a willing participant. The Lord predicted,

On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan. You will say, “I will go up against a land of open villages; I will come against a tranquil people who are living securely, all of them living without walls and without bars or gates.” (vv. 10-11)

God is not guilty of placing evil thoughts in Gog’s mind. The evil desires already exist there. Gog is set on greed (v. 12) and cheered on by selfish traders (v. 13). Duguid offers a great insight on the relationship between God and Gog:

Gog comes intent on plunder but he does so only because God’s plan and purpose is to bring him. Gog’s free will is the free will of a shackled lion. If you offer a lion a choice between a fresh green salad and a juicy piece of raw meat, he will choose the latter every time, without compulsion; it is his nature to eat raw meat. But the shackled lion only gets to eat raw meat when his keeper chooses to allow him to. . . . The Bible tells us that the lions are real, but they are shackled, or rather, to change the image slightly, they are leashed. They can assault Christians only whenever and wherever God allows them to exercise their natural appetites. (Duguid, Ezekiel, 459)

God’s punishment of Gog will be just. In reigning over Gog, He did not change Gog’s heart but let his heart have its way. There is a word of warning here for us. Gog’s view of Gog and God’s view of Gog were not the same. Gog does not evidence any self-awareness of being on an appointed mission, but he was. This realization should move us to pray, “Father, help us see ourselves as You see us. Let our self-awareness flow from Your Word and what You declare about us.” We should always want to know if God is working in us or just with us.

Nothing about the enemy ever catches God off guard, and nothing causes Him to fear. He is not surprised or fazed by Gog’s profusion, power, or provisions. An enemy does not exist that God cannot crush instantly and eternally by the sheer power of His word. The psalmist asks a great question:

Why do the nations rebel

and the peoples plot in vain? (Ps 2:1)

He goes on to say,

The kings of the earth take their stand,

and the rulers conspire together

against the Lord and His Anointed One:

“Let us tear off their chains

and free ourselves from their restraints.”

The One enthroned in heaven laughs;

the Lord ridicules them.

Then He speaks to them in His anger

and terrifies them in His wrath:

“I have consecrated My King

on Zion, My holy mountain.” (Ps 2:2-6)

Without question, “Yahweh is the unrivaled lord of human history. He raises up nations; he puts them down. Their activities are always subservient to his agenda” (Block, Ezekiel 25–48, 493).

For Christians this is not the world that will be trouble free. We may not face an enemy horde while we live in villages without walls and locks, but we will face enemies. One in particular seeks to devour us (1 Pet 5:8). We can walk in full obedience to the Lord and still experience struggles. Jesus told His disciples to expect suffering in our current world but also to be encouraged because He conquered the world (John 16:33). Paul told Timothy persecution is a guarantee for those who take up their cross and follow Christ (2 Tim 3:12). The good news is, no tribulation will ever separate us from Christ’s love (Rom 8:35-39).

In the New Testament, suffering for Christ is the norm not the exception. We seem surprised, however, when given an opportunity to suffer as if something unusual were happening (1 Pet 4:12). As a pastor, I am constantly striving to prepare our people not to be caught off guard but to suffer well for the glory of God. If the gospel is going to advance globally, more trouble is coming for God’s people (Rev 6:10-11). We know that with His grace and power we will have all we need, even if we are asked not to love our lives in the face of death (2 Cor 12:9; Rev 12:11). May we say with Paul, “I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24).

Because God Is Sovereign, Our Suffering Is Never Without Purpose

Ezekiel 38:16,23; 39:6-7,21-22,28

As we live for Christ in this world, our suffering will be real, but it will never be random. God has a “why” behind all He does. Of course, He is not obligated to reveal His purposes to us. Several years ago a pastor in my hometown lost his 18-year-old daughter in a car wreck. In a seminary class I attended, he was given the opportunity to share about his grief experience. He said, “Some people have told me that when we get to heaven then we will know why this wreck occurred. My response to them has been, ‘When we get to heaven, it will no longer matter why.’” His point was that when we experience the full joy of God in heaven, we will probably not be peppering Him for explanations.

Yahweh, however, does not leave Israel in the dark about what He is doing with Gog. His first purpose in bringing Gog against them is His primary purpose in all things—displaying His glory (39:7). He was going to display His greatness and holiness and reveal Himself in the sight of many nations so they would all know He is Yahweh (38:23). He would show Himself holy through Gog in the sight of all who were watching (38:16).

His second purpose in allowing Gog to advance on Israel was so He could demonstrate His love and commitment to His people. Despite all their rebellion God would make His name known among His people. As the nations watched how God purified Israel, they would know He is Yahweh (39:7). It will also be revealed that God’s people were exiled because of their iniquity and not His ineptitude (39:23). As the nations watch God restore His people, they will know the house of Israel was not taken from Him originally but He handed them over (39:28). He was not weak; He was working. His people who profaned His name are now purified, and the nations will know He is Yahweh.

What about you? Are you struggling with something God allowed you to experience because you cannot discern an apparent reason? God’s best plan for our lives may not seem best to us, but we can know it always is. He always has a why, and His why is always good.

Because God Is Sovereign, Our Suffering Is Never Without Provision

Ezekiel 38:17-22; 39:3-5

How do you think Israel would have responded if God informed them He was bringing Gog against them and then said, “Good luck”? If we are given God’s plan but not His provision, then all of our endeavors are doomed to fail. There is no way Christ’s disciples would have any hope of making disciples of all nations without His promise to go with them. His presence is His greatest provision for us.

God was not going to bring Gog against His people and abandon them to their own resources. In fact, Israel would not have to do anything but trust God. He would do all the fighting necessary. God told Israel,

Now on that day, the day when Gog comes against the land of Israel . . . My wrath will flare up. I swear in My zeal and fiery rage: On that day there will be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. . . .The mountains will be thrown down, the cliffs will collapse, and every wall will fall to the ground. (38:18-20)

And that will be just a warm up. God went on to say,

“I will call for a sword against him on all My mountains . . . and every man’s sword will be against his brother. I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed. I will pour out torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and brimstone on him, as well as his troops and the many peoples who are with him.” (38:21-22)

While God’s plan seems sufficient to protect His people, He is still not done.

In case the outcome of the battle is still in doubt, God has a final word for Gog. God tells him,

“I will turn you around, drive you on, and lead you up from the remotest parts of the north. I will bring you against the mountains of Israel. Then I will knock your bow from your left hand and make your arrows drop from your right hand.” (39:2-3)

Not a single weapon of Gog will prosper against God’s people. The chief prince of Meshech and Tubal and everyone who is with him will die in Israel and leave their bodies to be devoured by the birds and wild animals (39:4-5). The author of Hebrews has well said, “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10:31).

Fighting on behalf of His people is not a new concept to the Lord. In 2 Chronicles 20 Jehoshaphat receives word that a multitude was advancing against Judah. Though he was afraid, he called all God’s people to come together to fast and pray (2 Chr 20:3-4). In his prayer Jehoshaphat acknowledged God’s sovereignty and power and admitted, “We do not know what to do, but we look to You” (2 Chr 20:12). God’s response was, “You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (2 Chr 20:17; cf. Exod 14:13). While God worked, His people were to worship. Instead of picking up swords, they were to lift up songs. God never leaves His people to their own resources unless they have rejected His.

The greatest battle God has ever fought for His people, of course, is at the cross of Christ. If left to their own resources, God’s people could never win the war against sin and death. They cannot even contribute to the battle because they are part of the enemies’ cause. At the cross God’s people bring their sin, and God provides His Son. Like Jehoshaphat we must stand and watch while God fights the battle for our eternal souls through the death and resurrection of His Son. If God has provided a means to overcome our greatest trouble, He will certainly help us in everything else.

If what is described in Ezekiel 38–39 is what actually takes place in Revelation 19–20, then neither battle will be drawn out. In the first battle Jesus never even gets off His horse (Rev 19:19-21). In the second one the evil multitude will be consumed by fire from heaven (Rev 20:9). Honestly, I have no idea how an entire book in a popular contemporary series on eschatological matters was written on this battle. All who fight against God lose.

God’s Victory in Christ Means Ultimate Defeat for His Enemies

Ezekiel 39:6,11-20

Those who fight God and His people can expect not just defeat but total devastation. If one has any doubt that fighting God leads to failure, just consider Gog and his horde. Often Israel was told to raise an Ebenezer to remember something God did on their behalf. God, however, has something different He wants to use so that His people and everyone else will always remember His defeat of Gog. For Gog and his massive army, God will provide a burial place in Israel that would block anyone wanting to pass through the Valley of Travelers east of the Sea (39:11). If you are trying to use a familiar passage but find it blocked because God defeated His enemies and buried them there, then you might give consideration to the God of Israel. Likewise, it would be difficult for Israel to see the valley-turned-cemetery and forget God’s protection and provision.

After the birds and beasts have had their fill of dead bodies (vv. 17-20), the burial of Gog and his army will take longer than the battle they waged. For seven months appointed men of Israel will have a full-time job burying the evil horde (v. 14). Not a bone will remain uncovered. The land will be completely cleansed. Gog’s land, Magog, will be impacted as well. God will rain down fire on all the places from which Gog’s army assembled (v. 6). Yahweh will not only defeat the evil horde, but He will destroy their homelands. Those who lived on the coasts and islands will find there is no security except in Yahweh (v. 6).

We cannot consider Gog’s outcome and think that any contemporary enemies of God will fare any better. Jesus will ultimately put “all His enemies under His feet” (1 Cor 15:25). We long for the day when Death and Hades will be thrown into the lake of fire (Rev 20:14). But what about God’s other enemies? Who exactly is considered to be His enemy? All who have yet to turn from sin and trust in Christ. This could be our coworker, our neighbor, or even the coach of our son’s soccer team. Are they really enemies? Yes, according to Jesus. He declared, “Anyone who is not with Me is against Me, and anyone who does not gather with Me scatters” (Matt 12:30). James also says, “Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the world’s friend becomes God’s enemy” (Jas 4:4). Many do not consider themselves to be God’s enemy, but in reality they are if they have never looked to Christ for salvation. They are still under God’s wrath. The burial of Gog’s body and the burning of his land should be a warning to all who think fighting God is a good idea. The psalmist has said, “Pay homage to the Son or He will be angry and you will perish in your rebellion, for His anger may ignite at any moment. All those who take refuge in Him are happy” (Ps 2:12).

God’s Victory in Christ Means Ultimate Security for His People

Ezekiel 39:9-10,25-29

Israel did none of the fighting but received all of the plunder (39:10). For seven years God’s people will not have to gather wood from the countryside or cut it down from the forests (vv. 9-10). They will use the enemy army’s bucklers and shields, the bows and arrows, and the clubs and spears to make fires (v. 9). Ironically, what Gog hoped to do was done to him (v. 12). Instead of carrying Israel’s plunder away, they carried plunder to Israel. No one knows how to “flip the script” better than God.

With regard to God’s provision, the best news is found in the final five verses of Ezekiel 39. After telling Ezekiel’s audience about a time in the distant future (38:8), He closes this text with a more immediate message of provision. Gog will be able to come against Israel because Israel will have been restored to their land. God will not leave a single one of His people where they have been exiled (39:28). None should ever doubt God’s ability to gather those who are His. Once in Israel they will receive the full benefits of covenant relationship (Block, Ezekiel 25–48, 493). His people will be extended the full measure of His forgiveness, mercy, and blessings. God knows no such thing as partial forgiveness. He will not do good to them while simultaneously holding a grudge. He will also not hide His face from them or send them away again in discipline. The seriousness of God’s commitment will be demonstrated when He gives His people His Spirit (v. 29).

How will God cause His people to live securely in their land? Will He build a giant wall to keep all threats away? No, we already know they will live without walls, bars, and gates (38:11). Will they dwell securely because they develop a mighty arsenal of weapons? No, as we’ve just seen, they will burn all the weapons Gog’s army leaves behind (39:9). So how will God cause His people to dwell securely? He will pour out His Spirit on them. His people will dwell securely because He will seal them with His presence. Could there be any better news for people in exile due to their rebellion? God will fully forgive them and fully bless them despite all their previous unfaithfulness.

The giving of His Spirit “serves as a sign and seal of the covenant. The poured out Spirit represents Yahweh’s mark of ownership” (Block, Ezekiel 25–48, 488). They are His people, and they will always be His people. He knows how to both protect and provide for His children. When the nations see how God treats Gog, they will indeed know God is both with and for His people.

God’s people today may dwell just as securely as the postexilic Israelites. God continues to seal His people with His Spirit. Block points out,

It is remarkable that with every stage of the advance of the gospel, and the incorporation of new groups of people into the church, reference is made to the extraordinary manifestation of the Spirit’s presence: (1) the Jews in Jerusalem (Acts 2:4,33,38); (2) the Samaritans (8:14-17); (3) Gentile proselytes of Judea (10:44-48; cf. 9:16); (4) Gentiles of Asia Minor (19:1-6). Each event signals a new phase and scope in the breadth of the embrace of the new covenant instituted in Christ. Furthermore, when Paul speaks of being sealed with the Spirit (2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13; 4:30), he is speaking of the possession of the Holy Spirit as the divine confirmation of the covenant. This alone is the basis of the believer’s security. (Ezekiel 25–48, 493)

Like Israel we have done none of the fighting for our salvation but receive the full benefits of Christ’s work. As we receive the blessings of Christ’s substitutionary atonement and the presence and ministry of the Holy Spirit, how can we do anything but praise the Lord for these unmerited gifts? We can dwell securely knowing that He who begins a good work completes it (Phil 1:6). God never regenerates a person and then changes His mind. His Spirit guarantees He will never change His mind. We will always be His people, and He will always be our God. We can dwell securely not because we are good but because He is. Once provided His Spirit, we can join Paul in saying, “I am not ashamed, because I know the One I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day” (2 Tim 1:12).

What Ezekiel 38–39 Can Teach Us About God

We can learn several lessons about God from Ezekiel 38–39. First and foremost, God reigns supreme. He has no equal in power, but He also has no equal in goodness. He is above all and threatened by none. Second, God not only knows the future but also controls it. Time is in His hands alone. He does not just ordain what happens but also when it happens. Third, whatever happens, He is actively working for His glory and our good. Even when it seems He is not in control or does not know what He is doing, He is and does. Without God the advance of an enemy army would be great cause for alarm, but with God it provides a great opportunity for trust. Fourth, He will supply all we need. God may allow us to walk through difficult circumstances, but He will also provide all that is needed. To those He disciplined He said,

I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you. (Isa 43:2)

A fifth lesson that can be learned about God is that His victory over our greatest enemies assures our victory over all lesser ones as well. In Ezekiel 38–39 God had no trouble at all demolishing Gog. It did not matter how many were with Gog or how well armed they were, God crushed them. Likewise, our greatest enemies are the world, the flesh, and the Devil, but in Christ’s cross God “disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; He triumphed over them by Him” (Col 2:15). God also

demonstrated this power in the Messiah by raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavens—far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put everything under His feet and appointed Him as head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of the One who fills all things in every way. (Eph 1:20-23)

If God’s power has done these things, then He certainly can help us in our battles against lying, envy, lust, gossip, slothfulness, anger, and selfishness. He is able to do far more than we ask or imagine (Eph 3:20).

Lastly, Ezekiel 38–39 reminds us that God keeps His promises. He told Israel they would dwell securely. If God then brought Gog against them and let the evil ruler defeat His people, God would be a liar. God never lies. We also have the benefit of living post-Pentecost and know that God indeed poured out His Spirit on His people. He still does, which continues to be proof that He is still trustworthy. God will keep every promise He has ever made to His people. And for this He will receive our eternal praise.

Reflect and Discuss

1. As we strive to live for Christ in this world, why does suffering often surprise us? Why is it naïve to think all people will love Christians who share the gospel with them?
2. Why do we seem to forget that God knows what He is doing and is doing all things for our good?
3. How has God steered some of the troubles you’ve experienced for your ultimate good and His glory?
4. In what ways does knowing that our suffering has a purpose comfort you?
5. How would you encourage someone who is struggling because God’s purpose in his or her experiences is not evident? Instead of finding the “why,” what should they be seeking?
6. How has God shown Himself strong in provision when you’ve walked through a difficult season?
7. God would use the advance of an enemy army to increase Israel’s trust in Him. What are ways God has increased your faith?
8. Why is receiving God’s Spirit a source of security for God’s people?
9. How do you express your appreciation for the provision of His presence?
10. Knowing God’s enemies will be destroyed, with whom do you need to share a gospel word today? Why do we act as if those outside of Christ will not experience total loss like Gog?