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Suddenly from a distance, I heard the rumble of what seemed to be a great host of people heading toward me. Scrambling for my binoculars, I peered to see who and what they were.
As they drew closer, it appeared that a great army was approaching. But why were they out here? The village was pretty much destroyed from the last raid. Gathering what little belongings I had, I quickly ducked out of sight.
As I watched them pass, I noticed that this army was made up of different uniforms. I’d seen the unified army before, but this army looked different. As I came out of my hiding place, it was obvious that I was of little interest to them. They seemed to have but one destination and purpose. It was apparent that this was no ordinary military operation.
As it got a little darker, I decided to blend into the ranks and see where all this would lead. After all, I figured, what better way to travel than with an army?
But this was no ordinary march, we walked that whole night and into the early morning with no rest. I was tempted several times to ease back and fall out of line, but I was determined to see this march through.
Finally, the commanding officer gave orders to stop and break camp. As the day grew, many others joined us in that valley. By the end of the day, this mammoth army had swelled to literally millions of soldiers. As air support flew overhead, I realized that I was in the middle of a major conflict. But who was the target? I’d gone this far I had to know what this was all about.
Looking around, a nearby military squadron looked to be receiving its orders and going over the target. Careful not to be seen, I began to listen as the commander instructed his men on the target, their strategy, and the strike time. To my amazement, the target was Israel and the strike time, tomorrow morning. As I sat there and listened, it became clear what their mission was. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing! Could this be the battle of battles, the war to end all wars…the Battle of Armageddon? I had heard the stories of this great battle from when I was a youth, but never figured it to be true, let alone see it firsthand.
That night, my worst fears were confirmed. We were in fact in the Valley of Har-Magedon where the Battle of Armageddon would take place. According to Bible prophecy everyone who participates in this war will die by the hand of Jesus as He returns to rule and reign upon the earth. I knew I was in great danger, and if I was to escape, I had to act fast.
As I surveyed the area, I noticed that a supply caravan was about to leave camp. I knew it was now or never, so when the driver turned to sign for the supplies, I jumped into the back of the truck. About two miles outside of camp, the driver had to stop and remove a tree limb from the road. At that time, I jumped from the truck and hid in the bushes until he got back into the truck and drove off. I had made it to freedom, but I still wanted to see if Jesus really would appear with His mighty host.
So I camped out at the top outer edge of the valley and waited to see if He would really come. I was very excited, but very tired from all the marching the day before. I could barely hold my eyes open. Finally, I drifted off into a deep sleep.
Suddenly, sometime in the night, a very bright light woke me up. It was so bright it turned the night into day. Scared and terrified, I began to run for cover. Safely behind an embankment, I looked to see what this bright light could be. As I watched, I could see a lot of activity going on down in the valley, soldiers scrambling to their battle stations and artillery being positioned.
Suddenly, a hail of great firepower was sent toward the great light. They seemed to have made a direct hit, but the great light just kept coming. Overhead, I could see the stealth fighters and other air support maneuvering for a strike. Streams of rocket fire were everywhere. I could see direct hit after direct hit, but nothing could stop its advancement. As it came closer and closer, the intensity of the air and ground attack increased, but to no avail. As it came to the outer edge of the valley, ground and air artillery fire was non-stop but there was no stopping this great force. When I peered through my binoculars for a closer look, I could hardly believe my eyes. It looked like a majestic flying army that was innumerable, and the one who was leading it looked like the Son of God. Jesus, the only hope that this world could have, really did return! I had heard all the stories but now it was really happening. The end of all earthly pain and suffering was about to end. I thought this day would never come.
Suddenly, what looked like great bursts of lightening came forth from every part of the great light destroying both air support and artillery below. It was a sensational display of firepower. Within a matter of minutes every air and ground weapon was destroyed. This once great army was now totally at the mercy of God.
As the forces of God hovered over the forces of this world, I could sense that their punishment would be swift and complete. Hearing the cry of the men below as they helplessly awaited their doom, with one great downward plunge, the army of God covered them like an enormous blanket. Suddenly, there was silence, and their screams were heard no more. It was as though they had literally crushed them to death. In a matter of minutes, millions of soldiers were reduced to a sea of blood.
As I watched in awe of what had happened, I knew that there would be greater days ahead and that I had no more reason to fear. For Jesus has come to rule and reign, and to fill the land with His peace.
“For thus saith the LORD of hosts; yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: And I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: And in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Haggai 2:6-9)