This chapter is a prophecy against Gog, the prince of Magog, a nation allied with several other enemies of Israel.
” ‘…On that day… you will devise an evil scheme and say, “I will go up against the land of unwalled villages. I will fall upon the quiet people who dwell securely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having no bars or gates,” You will come from your place… you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great host, a mighty army. You will come up against my people Israel, like a cloud covering the land… I will bring you against my land, that the nations may know me, when through you, O Gog, I vindicate my holiness before their eyes.’ ” (v10-11, 15-16 abr)
God is honorable and righteous. His moral will is to defend the defenseless, protect the weak, advocate for the innocent, shelter the homeless, and meet every need of every person. Someone may ask “if that’s true, then why are there so many unfed, unclothed, unprotected, downtrodden, marginalized, and abused people in this world? My response to that is “if more people loved their neighbors as Jesus loves them, our global situation would be drastically improved”.
Maybe someone will disagree with this belief (and if they do, that’s okay, I’d like to hear their perspective): If every person who has more than they need gave generously of their excess resources to those who are in need, there would not be any great need left in this world. (note: I did say giving from excess, meaning, I’m not suggesting people undercut their own needs to help someone [unless God clearly leads you to do that])
That sounds simple, but there’s something in the way: selfishness, pride, and warped priorities (ie. a little obstacle called sin). Through the default sinful nature we want to put our own wellbeing first, and have as much ‘security’ / extra for ourselves as possible. We need God to help renew our hearts / minds so we can become benevolent / generous / loving like Jesus. We can’t control everyone else’s attitudes / behaviors, but we can control our own. Let’s do what we can to love our neighbors, and be salt / light in this world. Hopefully the generosity of Christ is contagious…
Father God, our Generous and Benevolent Lord, you lavish grace, mercy, and blessing upon us. Jesus thank you for being our example of selfless love on earth, and giving of Yourself to bring joy and salvation. Spirit please guide us to be generous like our Lord, lavishing the love of Jesus upon our neighbors, in whatever way You lead us. May we honor and glorify You Father, as light and salt in this world, being generous of Jesus. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training