On August 2, 1990, under the direction of Saddam Hussein, Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait to seize their oil fields and seaport. International condemnation followed along with concerns Saudi Arabia would be next. Led by the United States, the largest coalition of international troops since WWII was assembled to restore order to the region. On January 17, 1991, “Operation Desert Shield” began this coalition’s successful campaign to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. While the conflict lasted only 100 hours after coalition forces began their ground assault, Iraqi forces still fought by launching missiles into Israel and Saudi Arabia.

While good coalitions have often been formed to repel evil aggressions, there have also been evil coalitions. The worst coalition in the history of mankind will be initiated by the dragon (Satan), the beast (or Anti-Christ), and the false prophet (the propaganda minister and enforcer for the Anti-Christ). The Apostle John sees this future event begin with “unclean spirits like frogs” come out of the mouths of this unholy trinity (Revelation 16:13). These demonic spirits will be like frogs in the sense that they will be cold-blooded, arrogantly puffed up like a frog filling his mouth with air, and loudly croaking their authority. Empowered by Satan, these will “go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty” (vs. 14). Their efforts to form an evil coalition will be energized by swelling speeches and fortified by “working miracles” (vs. 14). Both will convince lost leaders and lost masses, to gather as one imposing military force for the purpose of destroying Jerusalem and all Jews. While these evil forces will participate willingly, God is ultimately drawing them to this final battle to vanquish the rebellion of mankind and establish the worldwide rule of the Lord Jesus Christ as the King of kings (see Zephaniah 3:8; Zechariah 12:1-11). While this great battle of Armageddon literally looms on the horizon, the divine judge of man announces, “I come as a thief” in the sense the lost will be so deluded they will not expect our Savior’s return (vs. 15). However, they should expect Christ’s return because the two evangelistic witnesses from God will be predicting it, and God will send devastating earthquakes to humble their stubborn hearts (vss. 17-21).

We must not be surprised or discouraged by the rising tide of resistance to the cause of Christ. These will increase until Christ’s Second Coming. God is still in charge. Just remain faithful!