In these chapters of Ezekiel, God tells of a final attack that will happen against Israel in the last days. After the Jewish people have been regathered to their homeland and are living in peace, they come under attack. Gog, the leader of a great army, comes up against Israel in war and in turn is utterly destroyed by God.
From that day forward Israel receives Jesus as her Savior, and the whole world witnesses firsthand the power and might of the Lord. “I will magnify Myself, sanctify Myself, and make Myself known in the sight of many nations; and they will know that I am the Lord.” (vs. 38:23)
Throughout history people have denied the existence of God, and scoffed at His Word. They reject His gift of salvation calling it folly, and ridicule those who follow Him. His holy name, instead of being spoken with reverence, fear, and love, is used as a form of cursing or slang.
And when warned of the soon return of Jesus they mock the message saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” (2 Pet. 3:4)
Now if it were you or me being constantly discredited, our first response would be to fight back and silence the critics. To want to prove them wrong and restore our honor. So no wonder we question why God lets those who defame Him go unpunished.
Like the psalmist we cry out, “How long will the enemy mock you, God? Will the foe revile your name forever? Arise, O God, and plead Your own cause; remember how the foolish man reproaches You all day long.”(Ps. 74:10,22)
Yet as hard as it may be, we need to remember that the Creator of time is not bound to it. And like it or not, everything happens according to His perfect timing
But those who dare scoff at God and profane His name, would do well to not mistake His patience for weakness. For His patience comes from His love. It the Lord’s greatest desire that everyone would receive the chance to accept His gift of eternal life. “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”(2 Pet. 3:9)
But make no mistake. God will not wait forever. The day of the Lord will come, and on that day, “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10–11)
Sooner rather than later, God promises, “My holy name I will make known in the midst of My people Israel; and I will not let My holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations will know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel.” (vs. 39:7)
On that day when Jesus returns and the truth can no longer be denied, the scoffers will forever be silenced. And all will say, “Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name!”