As this issue goes to print international politics in south-east Asia are at flash point. Mobilisation of United States forces has been effected on a large scale, and it is possible for a world war to develop, if the dispute is not localised.
These events have taken place close to the shores of Australia. China, a giant, is roused from her slumbers and seeks to flex the muscles of nationhood. Russia seeks to add fuel to the fire by exhorting her Asian allies to withstand the Western powers to the utmost, and assists them materially by supplying arms, planes, and ships. A situation such as this brings home to us with renewed vital force, the words of Jesus in Luke 21. 25 “Upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity”. A glance at Young’s Concordance shows that the word “perplexity” means “with no way out and such a message supported by the remaining words, and the following verse, present a true picture of humanity’s affairs today!
Unbelievers are quick to point out that there has always been international strife, and so discount our expectations of Christ’s coming. But surely the warning of Jesus in the chapter quoted and perhaps more particularly in Matthew chapter 24, can no longer be ignored.
How many years are left for the Gospel to go forth to the world? It may even be that only days remain for this work to be done. Only one thing is certain. Christ will return, and his Father’s wrath will be poured out upon all nations.
Whether this visitation takes place this week, this year, next year, or in fifty years time, is of little moment. The Divine message must go forth until he appears, the warning must go out as far as we can send it. It is not only our duty—it is our life!
Perhaps the greatest warning is to ourselves. “For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Even Christ’s own household can be engulfed with the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of sin, the lure of riches, the enjoyment of leisure, the pursuit of pleasure, and so be engulfed with the flood of God’s judgments, which will sweep away all unrighteousness and wickedness.
Let the call go forth within the household itself for personal preparation to meet our Lord. Let personal holiness be our aim each day.
Each morning let us resolve anew to carry out our vows. Each evening let us review our endeavour. Seek strength and guidance continually in prayer to Him who is the focal centre of all power and strength. The hours of this age are swiftly passing; opportunity will cease.
Remember, “The time is at hand. He that is unjust let him be unjust still: he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. Behold I come quickly (suddenly)” Rev. 22. 10-11.
The Borders of the Land of Israel