Do you like storms? Typically, I do. There is just something fascinating in the chaos that storms create. Now don't get me wrong, I am not a fan of the devastating effects of storms, but the wind, the cloud formations, and the sounds of a storm have been an object of wonder for me for years and mankind since the flood.
Perhaps it is the fact that storms are so unpredictable. much to the chagrin of every meteorologist. Or maybe this fascination with an unstable weather pattern comes from the fact that mankind has yet to figure out a way to control the elements despite their best efforts.
Maybe it is the adrenaline rush that occurs when something unpredictable happens and you feel that sense of being out of control. Perhaps something like this...
That? That's called springtime in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and other states of our region...or Christmas sometimes. Regardless of the time of the year, turbulent skies are an anxiety maker for some. But for others, well let's just say they're the ingredients to be... say it with me...Thunder...THUNder...
The music of AC/DC is instantly recognizable. Most of their opening riffs immediately let you know that one of your favorite bands is about to ROCK. Whether it is their 1980 smash "Back In Black" or today's featured song, "Thunderstruck", one can easily know from the first drum lick that they really should turn the volume on their device to maximum and get their head ready to bob in an uncontrollable metronome-like motion.
What some may not realize is that AC/DC has been around a very long time. The Australian band was formed by the Young brothers, Angus and Malcolm. For the most part, AC/DC has operated as a 5 man electrical, surge force with various members coming and going and then returning in some instances. The death of lead singer Bon Scott brought about notions by many that the band was dying as well, but in walked Brian Johnson who assumed the role and was so vocally close to Scott's voice that it seemed the band never missed a beat. Oh and just in case you were interested or haven't already done the math, this band will celebrate 50 years next year. That's right, the musicians who make up the band AC/DC are all 65 years or older. Johnson is 74!!! I guess 50 is the new 30 when it comes to rock and roll acts.
The lead single from The Razor's Edge rattled speakers in the fall of 1990. It launched AC/DC into the decade as a resounding force with which to be reckoned. The single, while not released in the United States, still managed a #5 peak on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks. The above video for the song was the first video in the AC/DC catalog to hit 1 billion views on YouTube. It also hit the 1,000,000 club after its release as a digital download, bolstered by its repeated use in movies and television. It is regarded as one of AC/DC's best songs and always finds itself in a variety of top ten lists of their compendium of hits.
As you listen to "Thunderstruck" you get a sense of an ominous presence headed your way. Almost, like the blitzkrieg the Germans used in World War II as they marched into Poland, or the "Shock and Awe" used during the Iraqi war by the United States Military, you get the sense that "Thunderstruck" could easily be used as an anthem for the engagement of an invading army...or an invading army that is being prophecied about...
Easily one of the most debated portions of the Bible is the prophecies of Ezekiel in chapters 38-39 of his book. The topics for debate range from when or has this happened to what nation(s) are represented by Gog and Magog to what is the meaning of the outcome of the battle described? Ezekiel launches the urgency of his visions by proclaiming that what is to follow is directly from God. He then introduces Gog, Magog, and a battle that is worthy of "Thunderstruck" being used as its soundtrack or rallying cry.
As a blog about music and the Messiah, we confess that our scholarship on the above questions is lacking. We do hope that we can be an encouragement in your ability to research and allow Holy Spirit to show you conclusions. But we will delve into this prophecy a bit and unpack the things that we can.
First of all as to when the events of this revelation will occur. I feel strongly that this is an event that will occur during the last days of the world's existence as we know it. Which I might add, seem to be coming soon. Israel already has many enemies across the world, but as God's chosen conduit to spread the name of Jesus (as believers we are adopted into that group), Israel is also the most protected by the Creator. Ezekiel 38 speaks of a time when a "blitz" or "shock" type of engagement comes from the north to wipe out the nation. God intervenes and the invaders are destroyed. The destruction is so immense that Israel can fuel their nation for 7 years off of the remains of the weaponry left on the battlefield. When exactly this battle will occur is unbeknownst to me, but again the way the geopolitical landscape appears presently, this battle could occur soon.
Secondly, the Bible only refers to Gog and Magog as "priests of Meshech and Tubal" (Modern Turkey) (v. 2) which qualifies as "place out of your remote parts of the north" (v. 15) That's all we know from Ezekiel. This would make sense in light of how much of Turkey professes Islam as their religious affiliation.
Finally, the battle itself will be unlike any we have seen. In the vein of David and Goliath, Israel will face the armies that Gog and Magog as they amass many allies. They will attempt to destroy Israel completely and plunder its resources. This will be met by "God's zeal and wrath" in the form of an earthquake unlike any seen in the world before (v. 19) as well as "torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and brimstone" (v. 22).
God affirms the purpose of Gog and Magog's defeat as He says "So I will prove Myself great, show Myself holy, and make Myself known in the sight of many nations; and they will know that I am the Lord.” The results of the conflict will be Gog and Magog being led away into captivity and the Israelites coming to the battlefield to take the spoil and make fires from the abandoned weapons and bury the dead.
In this sequence, we see a series of 7s. Remember in Biblical numerology, 7 is a holy number, the number of completion. The first is 7 years. (c.39, v. 9-10). This is the amount of time that Israel has fuel from the remains of the weaponry that is abandoned during the war. The Bible says they do not need any other kind of fuel because the burning of the weapons will last that long.
Secondly, is 7 months (Ch 39, v. 12). This is the time frame by which the defeated dead are given a burial. Remains of anyone found after this time are marked and then placed in the burial area of the defeated army.
Ok, so why does any of this matter? Well, it plainly describes a time in our future whereby events will occur that will change our world. Those who are watching for this time, believing in the salvific work of Jesus done on the cross (Celebrated this Friday!) and celebrated by an empty burial site (Celebrated this Sunday!!! Let's go to church!!!) will not be "Thunderstruck" as the events transpire. They will be rejoicing because this means their redemption is close! Their restoration is at hand! And God is about to remove the barriers that exist between Himself and believers as He sets up a new heaven and new earth where He dwells among His people as was originally planned in Eden.
Why should we believe these visions from Ezekiel will occur? Go back over the last several weeks of Tuesday's Musical Notes. Then check your history books about the nation of Israel and the nations who have in the past attempted to destroy God's chosen. You will soon see that the prophecies that God gave to Ezekiel came true and there is history to confirm it.
This week of all weeks, please investigate the history of Jesus. The movie The Case For Christ is a great medium by which to stimulate your research. The Case For Christ (2017) - Trailer
Read the Gospels: Matthew (a Tax Collector) NASB/AMP/KJV, Mark (an Evangelist) NASB/AMP/KJV, Luke (a Physician) NASB/AMP/KJV, John (a Fisherman) NASB/AMP/KJV. Suspend your unbelief for just one moment and allow Holy Spirit (God in "soul" form) to speak to your heart, mind, and soul.
Based on the historical record of Ezekiel's prophecies coming true, we should be watchful as these prophecies from Ezekiel are coming soon...
Doesn't all of this leave you just a bit..."Thunderstruck"?
'Til Tuesday,
Loving HIM by Loving You,
randy
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