The Wicked Prepare to Attack the New Jerusalem

[Thompson, Darryl]

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Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for November 25
Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org
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The Wicked Prepare to Attack the New Jerusalem

Satan . . . shall go out to deceive the nations . . . to gather them
together to battle. Rev. 20:7, 8. 


In that vast throng are multitudes of the long-lived race that existed
before the Flood; men of lofty stature and giant intellect, who,
yielding to the control of fallen angels, devoted all their skill and
knowledge to the exaltation of themselves; men whose wonderful works of
art led the world to idolize their genius, but whose cruelty and evil
inventions, defiling the earth and defacing the image of God, caused Him
to blot them from the face of His creation. There are kings and generals
who conquered nations, valiant men who never lost a battle, proud,
ambitious warriors whose approach made kingdoms tremble. In death these
experienced no change. As they come up from the grave, they resume the
current of their thoughts just where it ceased. They are actuated by the
same desire to conquer that ruled them when they fell. 

Satan consults with his angels, and then with these kings and conquerors
and mighty men. They look upon the strength and numbers on their side,
and declare that the army within the city is small in comparison with
theirs, and that it can be overcome. They lay their plans to take
possession of the riches and glory of the New Jerusalem. All immediately
begin to prepare for battle. Skillful artisans construct implements of
war. Military leaders, famed for their success, marshal the throngs of
warlike men into companies and divisions. 

At last the order to advance is given, and the countless host moves
on--an army such as was never summoned by earthly conquerors, such as
the combined forces of all ages since war began on earth could never
equal. Satan, the mightiest of warriors, leads the van, and his angels
unite their forces for this final struggle. Kings and warriors are in
his train, and the multitudes follow in vast companies, each under its
appointed leader. With military precision the serried ranks advance over
the earth's broken and uneven surface to the City of God. By command of
Jesus, the gates of the New Jerusalem are closed, and the armies of
Satan surround the city and make ready for the onset.

>From Maranatha - Page 338