Early in December at the launching site at Cape Canaveral, a huge Atlas missile, backed by 370,000 lbs. of thrust roared off its platform, soared into the sky out over the Atlantic and 6300 miles later dropped its nose cone into the South Atlantic, on target. The spectacular flight took 30 minutes to complete its mission and attained a top speed of 18,000 miles per hour. This test run paved the way for production of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles here in the United States and set this country well ahead of her most formidable foe.
This achievement is undoubtedly the most important advancement in the science of war in this generation. It means that now a missile has been developed that can successfully carry a pay load sufficient distance to pose an ominous threat to any nation in the world. Experts in the U.S.A. doubt that Russia has yet attained this perfection in her missile program, and feel that this places America in an advantageous position. The success of this test excited so much elation that three launching sites are already in construction with three more planned.
By reference to a good map, one may see that with this range, the U.S. can place missiles with atomic warheads, over the north pole, and into practically all of Russia. This is extremely important to the U.S. because it means that she will not have to rely on bases in Europe and Asia to cover Russia. Even so, in the British Isles, 60 American Thor missile sites are being constructed, and positioned so as to cover the most vital area of Russia. Almost all of Russia now becomes vulnerable to attack.
These missiles, equipped with nuclear bombs and zeroed in on key cities, industrial centres, dams and other vital targets, offer the greatest threat that Russia has ever experienced. The appalling realisation that Russia is not too far behind, and only needs time to catch up with the U.S.A. dims her optimistic outlook. With the increase of knowledge that Daniel says will characterize the latter days, gaining in momentum, it cannot be too long until the king of the north surges ahead, as she most surely must in order to be the terrible victor of Asia depicted in the scriptures.
This means that an outbreak in war between the two great powers in this push-button age could prove cataclysmic. Worse still, a hasty move either correctly or incorrectly interpreted as a declaration of war could set off a series of events that nothing could stop. Gone are the days when a nation would formerly announce her intentions of making war on another. Today, the element of surprise is the only weapon that can achieve victory. Retaliation can be too swift as to bring destruction to a belligerent nation before her formal declaration of war is finished.
For 24 hours a day, U.S. planes with nuclear bombs are in the air over Europe, ready to fly to target on command. With such precautions as these, it would appear that any nation would be foolhardy to venture into a full-fledged war with another nation whose military is as advanced as in America or Russia.
This strange stalemate confronts the student of prophecy with a paradox. Before the successful firing of the Atlas missile over a course of 6300 miles, war seemed impending. The two great military powers, often on the very brink of war, were never confronted with the terrifying possibilities that face them today. It is officially doubted that Russia will now risk the chance of annihilation in declaring war on the allies.
It was thought by many that the conflict in which the nations of the world are to engage at the appearance of Christ would take place before the development of the IBM. With the long range missile now a reality, it seems unlikely that war will break out until tension is a great deal worse than it now is.
One thing is certain. It is extremely unlikely that the next war will drag out into years as the ones in the past have. Whoever is to become victor will become apparent quickly after the initial impact. This means that events will happen quickly after a war begins, with the appearance of Christ following swiftly on the heels of the outbreak. Under these circumstances it is quite possible that the saints will be called to judgment before war actually breaks out. The tribunal of Christ with those of the household of faith could very possibly take place while the King of the north descends on Asia and Europe.
In harmony with the times, prophecy relates the nations engaged in war, but a swift one. The Gogian confederacy is to ascend and come down like a storm to cover the land (Eek. 38:9) and converge on its enemies like a whirlwind (Dan. 11:10). In the vernacular of the prophets, this type of language seems to indicate the lightning-like weapons of the nuclear age. Certainly the worldwide preparation for war, under the Divine mandate of God (Joel 3:9) is for the purpose of waging war. Daniel’s account in the 11th chapter of his prophecy as well as Ezekiel’s display, in language free from ambiguity, the kingdoms of this world in great conflict.
As mentioned in last month’s edition of the Tidings the peace in the world today hangs on the thread of fear. The only thing that is keeping certain nations from imposing their will on others by out and out force is the ever-increasing threat of instant and devastating retaliation. A basis such as this is a weak and watery foundation for lasting peace. How encouraging and inspiring it is to the servants of God to know that the Kingdom of God destined someday to replace all earthly kingdoms is to be founded upon truth, love, peace and a fairness and equality hitherto unknown to mankind.
The glorified King of kings whose supreme title of Prince of Peace foreshadows one of the outstanding characteristics of his reign will bring peace to the peoples of this world, like the fresh rain upon the mown grass. Although the outlook must indeed seem dismal to those who know not God, to those who are His children the present events are merely the storm that shall precede the cloudless day of His majestic reign. We therefore look not at the things which are seen, but rather to the things which are not (yet) seen, knowing that the things which are seen are temporal, while the things that are not seen are eternal.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One