A WALK THROUGH MEGIDDO

Welcome to Megiddo, Israel, above. In ancient times, a narrow pass and trade route here connected Egypt and Assyria (Syria today). Located west of the Jordan River and south of the Lower Galilee region of Israel, it was the center of commercial and military operations, as well as some significant battles.

Starting to sound familiar?

Napoleon once visited the place, surveyed the land before him and said, “All the armies of the world could maneuver their forces on this vast plain."

Perhaps you’ll recognize this piece of property by its other name: Armageddon.

Napoleon’s words are interesting given the prophecy that one day all the world’s armies will do battle – the final one – right here.

Consider Revelation 16:12-16 from the Bible (New Living Translation):

“Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great Euphrates River, and it dried up so that the kings from the east could march their armies toward the west without hindrance. And I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs leap from the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. They are demonic spirits who work miracles and go out to all the rulers of the world to gather them for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty. Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed. And the demonic spirits gathered all the rulers and their armies to a place with the Hebrew name Armageddon.”

This month, the non-denominational international Bible Study Fellowship launches its new study on the fascinating book of Revelation. Wherever you live, you are probably within driving distance of a free weekly women's BSF class which starts the week after Labor Day through early May.

BSF’ers have looked forward to this study for a couple of years now and here it is. Classes are free, there is homework (but you’ll love it), and if you are interested in a thorough Bible study using the Bible as your direct source of study, consider BSF. I’d be happy to answer any questions for you (or find someone who has answers) about the classes.

For Madison, Delaware and Henry County women, the nearest classes are both in Henry County. The one I attend starts at 6:55 p.m. Mondays at the Middletown Church of the Nazarene. The first class is Monday, Sept. 14. Just show up.  The day class is 9 a.m. Tuesday mornings starting Sept. 15 at First Baptist Church in New Castle. I know there is a Richmond class as well but I am not sure on the details.

I do promise you this: It will be a fascinating ride.

And so is a trip to Israel.

If you'd like to visit Megiddo yourself (along with a number of the Bible's greatest-hit sites), be prepared to have your life changed forever. My own church, Ovid Community Church in Madison County, is planning to take another group there either in fall 2016 or spring 2017. I can share more about that as details become available. Just give me a holler if you are interested or hit up Ovid Community Church on Facebook.