Turkey

Turkey Revelation

Im handed a huge turkey (like a Thanksgiving dinner turkey but bigger) that I assume I'm supposed to tie up (with string?). I attempt to tie it, but it's too big for me to handle by myself. My previous manager on the Executive Escalations Resolutions team shows up and sees me struggling so she requests help for me. Those that come to help are not members of the team that "specializes" in this task (handling large turkeys/escalated issues?). The group on the side (members of the "specialty team") aren't particularly pleased that they weren't asked to take over when "that's what they do".

Afterward, Revelation 20 came to mind. I wasn't sure if that was a random thought or Holy Spirit until I started researching. Revelation 20:8 mentions Gog and Magog. That led me to Ezekiel chapter 38 (referenced in the study Bible). Several of the nations listed in Ezekiel 38:1-6 are modern-day Turkey. This connects with the dream.

Meschech - Turkey

Tubal - Turkey

Persia - Iran

Cush - Sudan

Put - Libya

Gomer - Turkey

Togarmah - Turkey

Israel-Turkey

While researching, I came across several articles that spoke to recent changes in Israel-Turkey relations (reference articles listed below). What does all of this mean? What do I do with this information? I think the wisdom in 1 Thessalonians 5 is a great explanation:

Be Ready for the Lord’s Coming
5 Now, brothers and sisters, we don’t need to write to you about times and dates. 2 You know very well that the day when the Lord comes again will be a surprise, like a thief who comes at night. 3 People will say, “We have peace and we are safe.” At that time destruction will come to them quickly, like the pains of a woman giving birth. And those people will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not living in darkness. And so that day will not surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all people who belong to the light. You belong to the day. We don’t belong to the night or to darkness. 6 So we should not be like other people. We should not be sleeping. We should be awake and have self-control. 7 People who sleep, sleep at night. People who drink too much, drink at night. 8 But we belong to the day, so we should control ourselves. We should wear faith and love to protect us. And the hope of salvation should be our helmet. 9 God did not choose us to suffer his anger. God chose us to have salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 Jesus died for us so that we can live together with him. It is not important if we are alive or dead when Jesus comes. 11 So encourage each other and help each other grow stronger in faith, just as you are already doing.

Final Instructions and Greetings
12 Now brothers and sisters, we ask you to recognize the value of those who work hard among you—those who, as followers of the Lord, care for you and tell you how to live. 13 Show them the highest respect and love because of the work they do. Live in peace with each other. 14 We ask you, brothers and sisters, to warn those who will not work. Encourage those who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 15 Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong. But always try to do what is good for each other and for all people. 16 Always be full of joy. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. 19 Don’t stop the work of the Holy Spirit. 20 Don’t treat prophecy like something that is not important. 21 But test everything. Keep what is good, 22 and stay away from everything that is evil. 23 We pray that God himself, the God of peace, will make you pure—belonging only to him. We pray that your whole self—spirit, soul, and body—will be kept safe and be blameless when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. 24 The one who chose you will do that for you. You can trust him. 25 Brothers and sisters, please pray for us. 26 Give all the brothers and sisters the special greeting of God’s people.[a] 27 I tell you by the authority of the Lord to read this letter to all the believers there. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.


Antioch

A month or so later, I'm having a conversation with a church elder about the dream. In the discussion, he mentions Antioch (the place where the followers of Christ were first called Christians in Acts 11:26) is located in Turkey. Weeks later, I'm driving around an unfamiliar area and pass by a street named Antioch, which catches my eye. I consider turning down the road but continue straight. At some point, I make a turn and realize I need help getting home. GPS has me continue until I reach a certain road and make a right turn. "Coincidentally" the road GPS wanted me to turn onto to get home was Antioch. That made me curious, so I did some research about Antioch.

According to Bible Odyssey (emphasis mine):

New Testament writings refer to two cities of the same name: Antioch of Syria and Antioch of Pisidia. A family of Syrian kings who ruled much of Asia under the name Antiochus built both cities. The most infamous of these kings was Antiochus IV, whom Polybius called a “madman” because of his unstable personality. During his reign (175-164 B.C.E.) Jews revolted against his harsh treatment. In return, Antiochus IV outlawed Jewish practices and in 167 B.C.E. dedicated the altar of the Jerusalem temple to Zeus. When Antiochus IV executed Jews who refused to give up their Scriptures or their piety, many fled Jerusalem. Some went south to Egypt; others went north to Syria, ironically, to seek refuge in the city fortified by the same Antiochus IV. Today Antioch of Syria sits on the border between Turkey and Syria, and the festival of Hanukkah remembers Jewish suffering under Antiochus IV. Two centuries later, the Diaspora Jewish community of Antioch flourished. Here, in Antioch of Syria, Paul stopped persecuting Christian Jews and learned about Jesus from Christian teachers—many from Jewish families that had survived Antiochus IV.

Quaking

Antioch, modern-day Antakya, has experienced almost 60 earthquakes in its history, some leaving great damage and a large number of deaths. On February 6, 2023, two major earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria; on February 20, 2023, two more earthquakes struck outside Antakya. As a result, the Greek Orthodox and Catholic Church were significantly damaged and numerous mosques were completely destroyed. The archaeology museum and Jewish synagogue still stand.

Note: There will be a great earthquake in Israel when the prophecy described in Ezekiel 38:19-20 takes place.


Euphrates River

In Genesis, the Euphrates River is referred to as "the River". It originally flowed from the garden of Eden, and now originates in modern-day Turkey. In current news, the Euphrates River has been drying up due to droughts and climate change. Revelations 16:12 references the Euphrates being dried up. 

Note: Revelations 16:18 also references a great earthquake. 


Timeline of Events


Photo taken 5/17


2/6 

2/28

3/6


4/4


4/10 (day after Resurrection Sunday) 


Week of 5/7 - 5/13


5/14


5/17


5/20


Additional Resources


The Jerusalem Post 4/13/23 | How Turkey and Israel salvaged their relationship - opinion


Council on Foreign Relations 8/23/22 | How Israel and Turkey Benefit From Restoring Relations


Antioch has Always Survived its Tragic History. What will the Latest Earthquake Change? 3/3/23 | How Israel and Turkey Benefit From Restoring Relations


The Times of Israel | ISRAEL-TURKEY RELATIONS


Charisma News 7/18/16 | Turkey's Role in Bible Prophecy and Why It Matters


A-Z Animals 5/21/23 | The Reasons and Meaning Behind the Euphrates River Drying Up: 2023 Edition