Signs Of The Times (Part 212 of 0)

Signs of the Times – Part unknown

Israel’s 25th Anniversary

Throughout the world, Jews have celebrated during the month of May, the 25th anniversary of Israel s Independence Many Jewish organizations have scheduled events to call attention to the reality and the accomplishments of Israel for 25 years It has been a haven for the op pressed, the persecuted and the refugees from over 100 countries These have been welcomed into a land which they can now call their own Israel is a land that has offered a new life of freedom to more than two and a half million homeless Jews There they have been able to turn back the tide of frustration, suffering and self denial which has engulfed the Jews in exile for several thousand years

Time and again the people of Israel have had to defend their cherished and hard won freedom to keep it alive The costs have been high One Jewish authority described it in this way, In every conceivable field of endeavor, the struggle took on depth and scope The participants worked with zeal and energy which astonished all but those who engaged in the work In twenty five years modern Israel has created a great new area of agricultural settlements, over 500 of them In areas for centuries considered desolate wastelands, new immigrant cities have sprung up Vineyards and orchards are now found in sections long abandoned to the scorpion and the lizard A multitude of new roads and highways cross the country, water is in abundance for irrigation, even in some parts of the parched Negev in the south One language, Hebrew, is now spoken by the people that have come from many different lands There are adequate schools for the education of the young, everywhere and in every way modern Israel is a miracle

Israel, Past and Future

Why should we concern ourselves with Israel ? It occupies only a very small area in the Middle East and is a mere dot on the map of the world Beside this, an anniversary of 25 years is not a very long time There could be more important matters here at home that could engage our attention This might be true, if it were not for the fact that God has made definite promises and has a great purpose concerning Israel. In this latter day, we can see His purpose developing in many phases, especially as regards His people Israel and their land. In fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob God drove out the inhabitants of Canaan which were “stronger and mightier than Israel.”

Their continued possession of the land depended upon their obedience to the Lord’s commandments. Because of their evil doings and worshiping of other Gods, the people were driven out and taken captive by their enemies. A remarkable prophecy was given by Ezekiel (21:­25), concerning the king, King Zedekiah, the last to reign on the throne of David in Jerusalem. He was condemned because of iniquity and the command was given to remove his crown. “I will overturn, overturn, overturn it, and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is, and I will give it him.” This was a wonderful prophecy of the greater son of David, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will soon return to sit on the throne of David in Jerusalem. The Prophet Daniel tells us that the supremacy of the kingdoms of men over the people of Israel is to be for seven times or 2520 years. If we were to use the approximate date of B.C. 545 for the starting time of Judah’s subjection and subtract from this the 2520 years of Daniel, we would come up with the date of 1975. Can we relate this to our day? The Lord Jesus Christ foretold, (Luke 21:24) That the Jews should “fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.”

What do the signs of our times indicate? The Jews in large numbers have returned from many nations to their homeland. Jerusalem is no longer in the hands of the Gentiles, having been captured in the Six Day War of 1967 by the Israelies. The Lord Jesus spoke further concerning conditions that would prevail in these last days, the end of the Gentile times in which we live. “Upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; (no solution) the sea and the waves roaring; (a constant unrest of the people and nations) Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth”: These conditions characterize our day. We daily see these signs of our times, which warn us that the day of the Lord is very near. Jesus warned that when these things begin to come to pass “then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”

The return of Christ will be at a time of crisis for the entire world. The prophet Daniel spoke of this saying “There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time.”

Evidently there will be a complete collapse of all nations, politically, economically and socially. But the Prophet gives us a wonderful assurance, “At that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” (the book of life) Those that have been baptized into the Name of Jesus and are keeping his commandments, to them will be given the glorious gift of eternal life. Their work will be that of assisting the Lord Jesus Christ in ruling the world in righteousness. Israel will at last accept Jesus as their savior and their king. The Gentiles will acknowledge that they have inherited lies and things wherein there is no profit and will render obedience. As a result, there will prevail a peaceful world, neither shall they learn war anymore.

Oil and the Middle East

For some time, the public has been warned that this country faces a serious crisis in the dwindling supply of oil and its by-products of gasoline and natural gas. It has been stated that by summer, some type of gasoline rationing may be needed because of oil shortages. This situation could be an emergency, because the economy is geared to the private automobile and trucks. Public transportation moves a very small percentage of the people. Currently, the United States imports about 25 per cent of it’s oil from abroad, mostly from Canada and Venezuela. It is virtually independent of Middle Eastern oil. With the diminishing supplies, this will change shortly, and with the change will come much higher prices. There is a much more critical situation confronting other nations. The Middle East supplies 85 percent of Western Europe’s oil and 95 per cent of Japan’s petroleum needs. The Soviet Union while not dependent on foreign oil, is trying to establish a firm foothold in Arab oil producing countries. For example, in 1972 Iraq nationalized the western owned Iraq Petroleum Company. The Soviet Union hailed this as a “great victory for the Arab people.” Shortly after, it was arranged for Soviet aid in the development of Iraq’s oil industry. At present, nine countries control the Mid-East immense oil pool. They are in a belt stretching across North Africa to the Indian Ocean. All are Arab nations, with the exception of Iran. However, Iran is Muslim in religion, as are all the Arab nations. Iran is relatively free from the effects of the Arab-Israel conflict, but the Arab oil powers are not. It is difficult for the Arabs to negotiate with the industrial powers. Some would like to use oil as a weapon against Israel. This would mean in effect denial of oil to the United States, a financial and military supplier of Israel. The United States finds itself in the contradictory position of supplying massive aid to Israel, but increasingly looking to Arab oil for its fuel needs. The stormy Middle East situation makes it difficult for all parties to come to agreeable settlements. In a short period of time, most of the Arab nations hope to develop their own expertise to manage, control and market oil through their own national companies. With the increased billions of dollars annually incoming, the Arabs will emerge as powerful forces in world trade and finance. Now just what does all this mean ? Will these conditions trigger international conflict ? Not many years ago, in 1956 two Western European nations invaded Egypt. Britain and France claimed that they were protecting their interests in Egypt. Then shortly thereafter, American troops landed in Lebanon, to protect the Lebanese from Syrian forces. Then recently, the Soviet Union armed Egypt, and sent in thousands of technicians and paramilitary personnel. These events illustrate how quickly important moves can be made. Is it possible to avoid a Middle East conflict of immense proportions? The much discussed “energy crisis” is upon the nations of the world. The competition is keen to obtain control of the sources of energy supply. Meanwhile there is continuing Soviet naval expansion in both the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans. Russia would like to control the oil production and lock out the United States and Western Europe from the Middle East oil sources.

From the human standpoint, the outlook is grim indeed. Divine revelation gives us an unerring answer. Both the prophets Ezekiel and Daniel provide the answer in their inspired books. In the 37th chapter of Ezekiel we read of the rebirth of the nation of Israel. This wonderful prophecy, spoken well over 2000 years ago, is being fulfilled before our eyes. In our lifetime we have seen the resurrection of Israel. A remarkable fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy has unfolded before our very eyes. “Thus saith the Lord God, behold I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land; and I will make then one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel, and one king shall be king to them all.” Ezek. 37:21 This king will of course, be the Lord Jesus Christ returned to earth again.

The Kingdom of God

Before Jesus can establish his kingdom over all of the earth, he must deal with his enemies. Evil men in high places now direct the affairs of the nations of the world. We see this in our own country in the Watergate scandal. These present day rulers will be turned out of office, to give place to Divine rulers, Christ and the saints.

In Daniel 7:27 we find the wonderful assurance, “The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the king.’.om under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and all dominions shall serve and obey him.’ The invasion of the Russian Confederacy into the land of Israel as depicted in Ezekiel 38, will be defeated. Finally, all opposition will be crushed and the earth transformed into the paradise that existed before sin entered. All men shall know the Lord from the least to the greatest, and God’s will shall be done in earth as it is in heaven. Now is the day of opportunity to prepare ourselves for the return of Jesus. Are you ready ?

Time marches onward and the Day of the Lord draws ever closer. This is a sobering thought, because while we know somewhat about the events of that “day,” we neither know the exact order nor the exact time. Yet we are specifically warned that we should not be taken as in a snare by the Lord’s thief-like coming (Luke 21:34,35). That is, we must not, (which is to say we shall have no excuse if we are) be caught in that day unprepared (I Thess. 5:1-6). We shall say more about preparation later on, but keep in mind the figure of the “fire drill.” The principle behind the fire drill is simple. One never knows when fire will strike, but if one is properly prepared to act, when it does strike, damage and hurt will be minimized. This closely parallels the Spirit’s warning through Paul in I Thessalonians above.

Some Characteristics of the Last Days

Let us consider certain of the characteristics of the last days before Christ’s return. We collect the following facts from Scripture regarding those days. a) It will be “as it was in the days of Noah . . ” Matt. 24:37,38

  1. There will be “distress of nations with perplexity . . ” “Men’s hearts failing them for fear for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.” Luke 21:25,26
  2. Weakening or even disappearance of (the) Faith on the Earth “when the son of man cometh . . . ” Luke 18:8
  3. The appearance of “that Wicked . . . whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.” 2 Thess. 2:8
  4. Appearance of last day scoffers who say “Where is the promise of his coming . . .” 2 Peter 3:3,4
  5. The perilous times of 2 Timothy 3:1-8, when men “resist the Truth”
  6. The Cry of “peace and safety” — 1 Thess. 5:2

These are general characteristics of the time of the end, to which we could add the Prophecies regarding Israel’s final invasion and God’s judgments on the Invader, the Godless and disobedient — see Ezek. 38, 39; Dan. 11:40 – 12:4; 2 Thess 1:6-10 — to name only a few.

Immediately we should notice there is much contained in Jesus short statement comparing the last days before his return to those of Noah s time He specifically mentions eating, drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage As many writers have observed, the use of these four activities suggests they are being done somewhat to excess, or at least have become more important than other matters We should now ask how it is possible for this trivial, pleasure-bent sort of society to be the same society whose hearts fail them for fear, who can understand no way out of their dilemma, who witness the shaking of their heaven’s powers and the eclipse of their suns and moons, etc ?

All of the other facts seem to fit well into the picture of a pleasure seeking society One could well find scoffers of the promise that the Lord is coming We see them all around today Faith is fast weakening and all sort of substitutes abound such as belief in mystics, the occult, eastern religions and so on We are beginning to hear a cry for “peace and safety” We see the proud, the boastful, the disobedient to parents, the unthank­ful, the unholy and the learners who never find Truth though they “seek” it all their lives We see the beginnings of false signs and lying wonders amongst other portions of Christendom These are truly perilous times for brethren and sisters in Christ

The perils enumerated above are largely of the distractive sort, being things which compete for our interest and dedication It is not immediately clear how these are related to the national scale problems implied in Luke 21, above Yet Jesus has made the comparison with Noah’s day (Matt 24 37,38) while in the same discourse, earlier warned that the last days were to be times of political trial and distress It was thus clear to him that there was no contradiction in the comparison

As It Was in Noah’s Day

How was it in Noah’s day? We turn to Genesis 6 and read in v2 that marriages did seem to be occurring with great frequency In v3 we are told God’s Spirit was ‘ striving” with men due at least in part to this last condition But in v5, 6, 11, 12 we find the real link All flesh had corrupted its way on the earth, be­cause of man’s continued dedication to e.ril The earth had become filled with violence as a result ? This the amorality implied by the phrase “eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage” pro duced violence of a global scale

Terrorism in Our Day

Violence is definitely on the increase in our day Consider several of the most recent events In the middle east, the tense situation there is now further strained by first the Israeli’s shooting down a commercial jetliner with the loss of over 100 lives, then the murder of two U S diplomats in Khartoum, Sudan by Arabs of the Black September Movement The former event, evidently the result of unfortunate confusion on the part of the airline pilot and the nervousness of the Israelis over the plane’s suspicious actions and previous terrorist threats to crash an explosive filled plane into he Tel Aviv airport has rekindled Arab war plans and threats The latter act, the murder of the diplomats, focuses world attention on the group who has mailed letter bombs to nearly every country which has dealings with Israel and who perpetrated the Munich massacre of last year

In Great Britain we have seen years of terrorist activities in Northern Ireland by Catholic and Protestant alike Now, once again the terror has been taken to England proper with the recent bombings in downtown London, which injured hundreds and damaged Government buildings Not since the outbreak of WW II has this happened there If this sort of action occurs worldwide, it would indeed cause one’s heart to fail with fear It would certainly involve the shaking of the powers or authority of the political heavens and would, no doubt, because it “shakes” their powers, give the rulers of men “perplexity” regarding a solution

One might consider also the much discussed energy crisis facing all the industrialized nations of the world. Whether or not we are to run out of natural gas in 20 years, oil in 50, coal in 200 and find nuclear wastes in intolerable amounts from use of nuclear power plants, the simple fact is that the oil rich middle east will become increasingly more important to all nations in the near future. One needs only to consider the effect of terrorist activities at the large oil fields to realize how wide spread their influence could be. If this were to occur, it would certainly affect the lives of the brotherhood severely.

What Shall We Do?

At the beginning we spoke of preparation that a believer had to have in order for that day not to overtake him unaware. The fire drill exercise is quite similar in principle to the believer’s required preparation. In each case there is a continual exercise of practices which will result in proper actions in time of emergency or trial. In the first case it may be just knowingly exactly which door to use to get out of the building in the least time. Ideally the “way of escape” should become a part of the individual, never to be forgotten. So also is the preparation in the ways of God. One may surely increase his faith in God in a time of stress, but it is doubtful if stress will create faith where there was none before. Israel’s experiences in Egypt and the Wilderness should be ample proof of that. It takes genuine trust, knowledge and willingness to obey God in times of trial. To be sure, trial purifies the believers. Trial separates wheat from tares as it did in Israel. Out of the original 600,­000 odd fighting men, plus women, children and elderly, only Caleb, Joshua arid the “children” entered the Land. Ten times the others had failed the tests of faith. Are we better than they? The Spirit of God speaking through Paul in 1 Cor. 10:11 states “All these things that happened to them were symbolic, and were recorded for our benefit as a warning. For upon us the fulfillment of the ages has come.” (NEB) Brethren and sisters it is high time we began to exercise ourselves in the faith to develop that robust, fearlessness, which is a sign of a people prepared to meet their Lord, Mere attendance of Ecclesial functions will mean little if it is not accompanied by earnest Bible reading, study, prayer, discussion and preaching.

In closing let us not forget the words of the prophet Malachi. “and the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold he shall come, saith the LORD of Hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? . . .” Mal 3:1,2 Yes, Who ?

Outlook For ’73

“All in all it looks like a good year” so says the United States News and World report in the January 8th article —Outlook ’73. “Sure things could be better”—it continues and qualifies the statement with reference to world tension, fuel shortages and flu epidemics—however “business is humming and profits are good”.

A few quotations from this report illustrate how completely materialistic the average citizen is regarding his relationship to world conditions.

“Personal incomes (the money people receive to be used for buying, saving and investing) were abundant and going higher. The way things are headed, the total will be above a trillion dollars for the more than 200 million Americans by the end of the new year”.

“Travel agencies, resort operators—and Mr. and Mrs. America—are looking forward to the greatest surge of leisure-time activity that the country has ever known. Relaxing on vacaiton—once seasonal—is now year round”.

“Aside from Vietnam, Americans talked little about affairs of the outside world. Nobody doubted their gravity, but the mood was to leave the worry about such things to those in high places then probably quarrel with their solutions. That was true for the Middle East, Russia and mainland China as well as such colorless and complicated matters as currency exchanges and trade rules. None seemed to be as threatening to America’s well-being today as they did a year ago.”

“The latest trip to the moon was praised as an unsurpassed technical accomplishment and a turning point in man’s relationship with his universe.”

“Population growth already is slowing, as the birth rate dropped. If the trend continues, the number of people in the country would move nearer stability within the life span of today’s children”.

“Politically, there already was a measure of stability in the mere fact that the hullabaloo of a presidential election was over for another four years”.

“Almost regardless of politics, signs of optimism spread. Wichita for instance, is experiencing a turn for the better in jobs. Seattle and New Orleans are building domed stadiums. Four new art museums have opened in Texas alone. New York’s credit rating was raised. On and on”.

“Everything considered, the outlook is for 1973 to be a better year than 1972, especially once the shooting stops in Vietnam”.

It is difficult for a Bible student to read the fore-going excerpts from “Outlook ’73” without perceiving a rather smug arrogant attitude regarding the future. The article reflects an obvious selfish concern for individual welfare and an almost total disregard for others less fortunate.

We notice in particular Mr. and Mrs. America’s pre-occupation with leisure time activities—their lack of concern for international affairs as long as they don’t threaten America’s well-being today. The latest trip to the moon was boastfully praised as an achievement “a turning point in man’s relation to his universe”. It is difficult to see how stability can be achieved in the present political situation and it is certain that population growth control in the United States would not solve the world’s uncontrolled population expansion.

The predictions for 1973 which are so optimistically regarded as bringing a substantial increase in material prosperity lack the most desirable objective of all—Christian morality How appropriate are the words of the Psalmist The wicked through the pride of his countenance will not seek after God God is not in all his thoughts Psalm 10:4

We must always be aware of the danger that exists in living in a social system that has adopted the philosophy of the rich and complacent man in Jesus parable— Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years, take thine ease, eat, drink and be merry Luke 12 19

It is very easy to slip, without being aware of it, into the false security of our affluent society Jesus is greatly concerned about the spiritual stamina of His House hold in these last days Take heed to yourselves , he warns, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares His next statement is one of comparison He says in effect—You know I am coming—but the world is in darkness concerning my return’ For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth Luke 21:34,35

The object of The Signs of the Times section in the Tidings is to keep God s people alert, Informed and prepared for the imminent return of the Master In spite of optimistic predictions by economists and the cautiously favor able forecasts by diplomatic authorities the world is enmeshed in problems that have no permanent solution

It would be strange indeed, from a prophetic standpoint, if the international scene indicated steady progression toward ‘Peace on earth, and good will to ward men We know, as Bible students, that there is a very important premise that must be recognized and established before this is possible It is Glory to God in the highest then, and only then, can Peace on earth’ become a reality

The Bible perspective concerning the signs of our times should reveal a world in dire distress in all of its political, economic and social functions Let us look at a few of the major areas of concern and see if current events confirm the prophetic viewpoint of God s Word

Vietnam

This little country, though not mentioned specifically in Bible prophecy, reflects the state of conflict that the scriptures foretell will afflict the world in the last days America s involvement has brought bitter frustration and strife to its own people Billions of dollars and thousands of lives have been lost in the most indecisive and unpopular war in the history of the nation The problem of disengagement, at the time this article is written, has still to be solved

When some kind of diplomatic arrangement is achieved and the United States extricates itself from its dilemma, it does not necessarily follow that peace will descend on South East Asia Sporadic violence is considered inevitable and renewal of widespread fighting cannot be ruled out Never forget warns one experienced analyst, Hanoi s fundamental objective is to rule all of the Indo Chinese Peninsula, and even push beyond these frontiers

Russia

President Nixon s dramatic visit to Russia has done much to relax the tension in American Soviet relations The average citizen may feel that present condition, in Russia have to a great extent neutralized the threat of conflict between these super powers He notes with some satisfaction that Russia has suffered serious diplomatic reversals abroad—particularly the expulsion of its advisers from Egypt The effects of disastrous weather conditions has upset their agricultural program and has forced the Soviets to buy 2 billion dollars worth of grain from the West in 1972 Two thirds of this was purchased from the United States

Comfort may be taken by some that an aggressive and unfriendly China will be a deterrent to expansion plans by the Soviet Union It must be remembered however that the basic foreign policy of Russian communism is expansion. Her ambitious objectives are world-wide. The ouster of her advisers from Egypt did not terminate the Kremlin’s influence in the Mediterranean area. The Red leaders immediately moved to build up favorable relations with Syria and Iraq. A new alliance with India has also been consummated by a friendship treaty which will broaden the scope of her long range expansion.

As the ever changing tide of events swirl in the maneuvering of international power-plays, there is one thing we can be absolutely sure about________ The Mideast is Russia’s major interest. Bible prophecy, as revealed in the 38th chapter of Ezekiel, is emphatic concerning her pre-destined role in this section of the world in the last days.

Mideast

Diplomatic and military authorities consider the Mideast the powder-keg of the world. Apprehension regarding the consequences of another conflict in this area has prompted the United States to formulate an “interim plan” which it hopes to sell to Egypt and Israel. With some concessions by both parties, it calls for a re-opening of the Suez Canal and a withdrawal of Israeli troops from its banks eastward into the Sinai Peninsula. Israel is not buying this plan.

Israel’s own analysis of her present position indicates that she is militarily unchallenged by her Arab neighbors at this time and will not consider any accord that provides less security than the strategic frontiers of the Jordan River and the Suez Canal. Egypt, politically impotent, is too disorganized to wage war and negotiate from a position of strength.

The possibility of Russian intervention is regarded as greatly diminished by the expulsion of Soviet technicians from Egypt. The resultant diplomatic coolness between these former allies has bolstered Israel’s determination to maintain the status quo. Israel’s political analysts express the belief that Russia feels the present stalemate is favorable to her long range interests in the Mideast. The Soviets are certainly doing nothing to pressure the Arabs into negotiating a peace settlement.

So the great tragic cycle of human history goes on. “Wars and rumors of wars” and peace the most illusive thing in the world.

We face the new year with no new prophetic predictions. The broad concept of God’s plan and purpose remains the same for ’73 as it has always been in the past. Peace will come________ on God’s terms and we take comfort and encouragement from the assurance “Yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Hebrews 10:37

‘What though none on earth assist Him God requires not help from man. What though all the world resist Him God will realize His plan.”

God has a plan for the earth and man. How reassuring this is to people of faith. Men make plans for individuals and nations. Most of these man made plans have selfish motives. If completed, they are usually at the expense of others. However, God’s plan will bring blessing to all of mankind in a perfect way. He will not fail in accomplishing this as men fail. The Almighty has planned to -fill the earth with His glory, as the waters cover the sea.- (Hab. 2:14) Not only has God made known His plan in His Word the Bible, but He has given us signs of the times, indicating the progress of the fulfillment of H is great purpose. Thus we are able to determine that at present we have almost reached the end of man’s rule on the earth. The return of the Lord Jesus Christ is both imminent and sure. As the representative of God, Christ will take over the reins of government and rule all of the earth in righteousness. ( Zach. 1 4 :9) Meanwhile, the nations of the world are undergoing many’ changes, which are drawing them ever closer to Armageddon. We will examine some of these.

The Common Market

At the close of World War Two, Western Europe lay in ruins. But with the help of the Marshall Plan, a remarkable recovery was made. Now a great economic power is being developed, the European Economic Community or Common Market. It is purposed to bring economic unity first and political union later. It has the complete backing of the Roman Church, which hopes through ecumenism to bring about religious unity under the banner of Rome. The result will be far reaching, and world wide. It could become the most powerful bloc in history. At present, there are six member nations. On January 1st four more countries will join, making a total of ten Western European nations bound together more tightly’ than ever before. More are to be added as the new free trade agreements develop. The treaties provide for the elimination of tariffs on industrial goods in the areas of the countries involved. This is to be accomplished in one year stages, with most of the barriers falling by July 1st, 1977. After that date. almost all articles manufactured in any countries involved, will be sold duty free in any of the others. However, for articles manufactured outside the EEC, a tariff will be imposed.

One can readily see how this will affect the trade of the United States and the Soviet Union, is well as other non-members. The ten nations, plus six more to he involved shortly, comprise about 300 million persons. They do an annual trade of 275 billion dollars. This is three times the total of the United States trade and is twice as much as that of the United States, the Soviet Union and Japan combined. Approximately. 43 percent of the world’s export trade will be under the control of the new European combine. Beside this, there are special preferential trade agreements, tying the Common Market to nations around the world. Little wonder at the growing concern of the nations left outside of this empire, namely the other large trade seekers, the United States, the Soviet Union and Japan. The USSR is perplexed as to where the new capitalist power on its western front is headed, politically as well as economically. Can this be determined?

Europe in Prophecy

In Bible prophecy, God has revealed to us the future of human governments on the earth. The Communist Confederacy in Eastern Europe and the Common Market countries in Western Europe, are effectively divided by the Iron Curtain. This division was foretold over 2500 years ago in a vision that God gave to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. In his dream, the King saw a great metallic image, the metals of which portrayed the progress of human world empires, from Babylon to Medo-Persia to Greece and Rome. Four universal world empires, to be followed by a divided state of the nations. Daniel (chap 2) interpreted the dream to the King and said the feet of the image, part of iron and part of clay, represented the divided state of the nations. They shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with day.” (Dan. 2:43) This wonderful prediction by God, through the Prophet Daniel, clearly summarized world history since the days of Babylon. There have been four world empires and then a divided state of the world powers, as we see in modern Europe today.

The Kingdom of God

The most important phase of the prophecy was next. It concerned the destruction of all human governments and the establishment of the Kingdom of God over all of the earth. In the days on these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not he left to other people, hut it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.” (Dan­iel 2:44) Daniel explained the agency by which this will he accomplished. In the King’s dream, he saw a stone cut out of the mountain without hands. The stone smote the image and brake in pieces, the iron, the brass, the silver, the gold, and the clay. The image of man’s rule on earth was destroyed, Daniel told the king that the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter. That the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. What a wonderful prophecy indeed, illustrating that “God rules in the kingdoms of men, That He has planned the course of human events. That at the time set, He will send the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth to consummate His purpose in the establishment of His rule on earth.

The Time of the End

What time is it on God’s clock? In the 12th chapter of Daniel, the question is asked, “How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?” To Daniel it was said “go thy way, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.” “Go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.” Is there a time indicated in the prophecy of Daniel, for these things to be fulfilled? The king of Babylon saw in his dream, the great image standing upon its two feet. This suggests that it will be at a time when the nations of the world are in the required state, that the final fulfillment will come. The present consolidation of Europe into two groupings of nations, indicate that the end is very near. Over 100 years ago, John Thomas, a Christadelphian expositor of Bible prophecy, declared “while the head, breast, arms, belly, thighs, legs and toes have all existed, the feet have not yet been formed; so that it has hitherto been impossible for the colossal image to stand erect as Nebuchadnezzar saw it in his dream.

It is therefore the mission of the Autocrat (Russia) to form the feet and set up the image before the world in all its excellent, and terribleness of form.” It is remarkable that Dr. Thomas also stated that Bible prophecy indicates that the dominant powers in the two areas, he anticipated would he the Germanic power in the western part of Europe and the Russian power in eastern Europe. That eventually Russia will dominate both east and west. Now we see that this is the very situation that is developing in Europe at the present time. The nations formed into two groups, corresponding to the two feet of the image. They are partly strong and partly weak, as predicted by the prophecy. (Daniel 2:42). This is indeed a tremendous sign of the times. The grouping of the nations in this way, is a necessary prelude to Armageddon, the personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God over all of the earth.

Peace or War?

As we go to press, we have the results of the national election. By an overwhelming majority, Mr. Nixon has been returned to the world’s most powerful office. With this mandate of the people, the President will no doubt feel impelled to use the power vested in him, to sob c the many problems facing this country and the world. Among them are of course the high unemployment, the weak economy and what to do about a, urban crime and decay, tax reform, the sensitive matter of busing to achieve racial integration, and so on. However, principal concern has centered on the agonizing, many years involvement in Vietnam. Despite the gradual withdrawal of ground forces, a peaceful settlement seems still far away. Mr. Nixon has promised an “honorable settlement.” This will be very difficult to achieve because of the hatred existing between the South and North Vietnamese. About 45,000 Americans have given their lives, with thousands injured in a cause that seems hopeless.

Even if peace should come to Vietnam, Communist forces have infiltrated Laos, Cambodia and other areas in Southeast Asia. But the great obstacle to bringing peace in the world, is human nature. Human government of any kind is inadequate in bringing peace. Both the League of Nations and the United Nations have failed completely. But God has promised that a Divine kingdom is coming soon, to bring a just and lasting peace under immortal rulers. Meanwhile the Scriptures declare that war will be prevalent throughout the earth. But the words of Isaiah the prophet (2:2–4) give a glorious promise, “out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of the Lord form Jerusalem, nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

Israel And The Middle East

Recent acts of violence against Israelis in Munich, Germany, at the Lod Airport in Tel Aviv and elsewhere, has resulted in protests from Jews around the world. It has had the effect of unification of Jews in thought and feeling toward Israel. This together with Russian persecution, has brought a flow of money and support to Israel. This has proven to be a great relief, since the State of Israel is not yet self supporting. Israeli economists are quite concerned about the effect on their economy, when certain other countries enter the Common Market. Duties on such major Israeli exports as citrus fruits, plywood and bromides will rise substantially. European trade is absolutely vital to Israel because of the Arab boycott.

The Arab guerrillas continue their attacks from both Syria and Lebanon. Israel has replied with jet planes bombing both countries. But the time is coming soon, when peace shall come to the land of Israel. Jeremiah tells us, (31:11) “For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.” The Psalmist speaks of the deliverance of Jerusalem (102:1) ”Thou shalt arise and have mercy upon Zion, for the time to favor her, yea the set time is come.” With the great deliverance that is coming to the Jew, there will also be peace for the Gentile. But more important than this, eternal life will be given to those who have put on the Name of Christ and have remained faithful. May we be among those that are found worthy at the return of Jesus.