Signs Of The Times (Part 225 of 0)

Signs of the Times – Part unknown

The signs of the times” are among the most stimulating topics that can be considered in any Bible discussion or magazine article. It is quite natural that they should be, for faith and hope are each related to the dual question “When shall these things be, and what shall be the sign of thy coming ?” Since the beginning of God’s revelation to man there has never been a promise or a prophecy in which the time factor has not been a major consideration. The fulfillment of prophecy, however, in many cases is not related to specific dates. The Mount Olivet prophecy is a good example of this, as shown in the answer to the question referred to above. As you read the complete account in Matthew 24 you can clearly see that Jesus does not link his return to any specific calendar date. Instead he broadly outlines events to happen soon after his departure, along with other signs of things which are taking place right now—when his return is so clearly imminent.

These signs were given in the symbolic language of prophecy but we certainly cannot rule out the fact that literal physical signs of Christ’s coming are of great significance as well. We are sure that those living in Southern California were greatly distressed by the awesome sensation of the earth tremors that shook the Los Angeles area. In our everyday speech we use certain phrases which are synonymous with stability. For example we speak of ‘having our feet on the ground’ or of ‘terrafirma’ in Latin, both indicate this idea of solidity When things we instinctively accept as firm and secure are violently disrupted without warning, as in an earthquake, we become very much upset and aware of our inability to cope with the tremendous natural forces bound up within the earth on which we live.

Many earthquakes have been recorded as dramatic and disastrous experiences since the beginning of history. The Bible speaks for instance of ‘the fountains of the deep’ being ‘broken up’ in connection with the flood in Noah’s time — (Gen.7:11) A particularly severe earthquake occurred during the reign of Uzziah, king of Judah, and another took place at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus.

Paul and Silas were released from their bonds in the dungeon at Phillipi by an earthquake so severe that ‘the foundations of the prison were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened’. (Acts: 16-26)

There can be no doubt that at least some of the tremors recorded in the Bible were not merely coincidences. They can only be explained as ‘super-natural’ or God-induced to achieve a particular purpose. Paul and Silas received their freedom in this dramatic manner. The graves of a number of saints were also opened at the crucifixion of Christ. Both occasions were demonstrations of the awesome power of Almighty God.

The actual circumstances in connection with the great earthquake that took place during the reign of Uzziah are not re-revealed. We do know, however, that its effect was so catastrophic that it became the generally accepted measure of the ultimate in earthquake severity. The Prophet Zechariah, as a consequence was able to compare it with another earth shaking event that will be without parallel in all the history of mankind. The particulars are found in Zechariah 14:4,5.—

“And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north and half of it toward the south.

And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come and all the saints with thee.”

The outstanding fact in the preceding reference is that the gigantic cleavage is to take place on the very mount from which Christ ascended into heaven. A purely scientific approach could be suggested as an explanation for the future splitting of the Mount of Olives. It was referred to in an article in the ‘National Geographic’ Magazine in which it was stated that the earth’s greatest geological strata fault extends through the Jordan Valley to the headwaters of the River Nile in Egypt. A shift in subterranean rock strata of major proportion in this area would be no surprise therefore to the geologists, but the magnitude of the shock would certainly be outside the experience of all previous scientific observation. Here again the circumstances show without doubt that this great change in the configuration of the Holy Land is to be the specifically directed work of the Almighty. Out of the rearrangement a new land formation will emerge that is undoubtedly adapted to the new order that God will establish in His Chosen Land.

We know that a major earthquake always has a far reaching effect on both land and sea. Shock waves are transmitted thousands of miles, and oceans in far away places rise and fall in an extreme and abnormal manner in response to the convulsions. The thought occurs that this gigantic shaking in the Land of Israel might also trigger simultaneous earthquakes in all the well defined structural faults in the earth’s surface. This might serve a dual purpose—first as a dramatic and devastating force in God’s judgment of the nations at the coming of Christ, and also to bring about other geographic changes elsewhere. It might even eliminate future earthquakes altogether during the Millennial Age by permanently stabilizing the geological strata in all the quake zones of the earth.

We hope Bible students will find the preceding observations interesting and relevant to the signs of the second coming of Christ. They are in no way intended to be dogmatic or final conclusions. It must be emphasized however, that while there is this prophetic evidence that great physical changes will take place, the primary references to earthquakes in prophecy is clearly symbolic.

The language of prophecy has its highly figurative sign system. The elements of the universe such as the sun, moon and stars, and in the same way, the earth with its sea and land mass are used over and over again to represent nations and individuals in their relation to God’s eternal purpose. It is the language that Jesus also uses when replying to his disciples’ question “What shall be the sign of thy coming?” We may wonder why the Master should use such complex language to answer a seemingly simple question. His reply is not, however, as complicated as it seems. Remember, his disciples asked for a ‘sign”. This was quite in keeping with the prevailing Jewish inquiry procedure. The symbols of ‘sign” language were well known to them and consistent in their usage. Their great law giver, Moses, had addressed their princes “Give ear, 0 ye heaven and I will speak”; and then speaking to the assembled tribes, added “and hear, 0 earth, the words of my mouth.” Deuteronomy 32:1. The Old Testament prophets also used this terminology when referring to individuals, and governments.

We can be sure, therefore, the disciples understood the significance of the Mt. Olivet prophecy in the light of principles already established by prophetic usage. In Matthew’s account (Matt. 24:29) the sun in eclipse would mean the loss of political status; the moon (because of its dependence on its light source the sun) would no longer be able to function as the ecclesiastical factor in human society. The stars (the administrators of government) would be cast out of the political heavens and the powers of heaven (the governments of human society) would be shaken. Luke’s record of this same prophecy shows this symbolism is connected to the “distress of nations with perplexity”. If we carry the symbolic earth tremors indicated here to a logical conclusion, we would expect to find the resultant symbolic tidal re-actions also evident in the prophecy — and we do! A continuation of the verse reads “The sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.” (Luke 21:25, 26) Here again, we have a clear indication that the sea and waves represent nations; in this case in a state of extreme agitation.

Having established this premise, let us see what connection we can make by comparing current events to those signs in the Mt. Olivet prophecy which herald the imminent coming of Christ. We should we able to apply a series of tests in question form that will verify our analysis and bring us to some conclusions. On a literal interpretation basis—do we have “wars and rumors of wars” today, as foretold in Matt. 24:6? —The answer is yes!

In the Mid-East the failure of Egypt to extend the cease fire agreement means that Israel and the Arab states, (though hostilities have not been resumed) are technically at war. The major powers are all maneuvering behind the scenes to protect their own interests in this area.

In Vietnam the conflict continues to bleed the manpower and financial resources of the United States as it endeavors to extricate itself from its Asian commitments. A March 10th Associated Press report introduces another fear factor to the world in general and the United States in particular under the headline “Peking promises all-out support” to North Vietnam. The great fear and apprehension (in “rumors of war”) is that the expansion of the present conflict might result in a world wide war of total annihilation. The depressing specter of Russia’s new highly sophisticated missile is also a cause of great concern to those nations not aligned with them.

Still considering the literal aspects of prophecy, it is clear that the primary concern of the United Nation’s Food Organization is the urgent need to find sufficient food for the still uncontrolled population explosion. The greater part of the people of the world are still inadequately fed, and lack medical care. The prophecy of famine and pestilence in Matt. 24:7 anticipates this grim state of affairs.

The question now arises, can we apply the symbolism of the Mt. Olivet prophecy to our own day. —Here again the answer is a confident “Yes”!

Referring to Luke’s account, chapter 22:25, 26—and applying the prophetic analytical procedure mentioned earlier we see: The sun (World Rulers) plagued by political and social unrest, unable to co-operate together on any international issue. Nations are distressed and perplexed under the tremendous pressures at home and abroad. There is world wide unrest among the masses typified by the “sea and the waves” roaring their resentment, and in some cases disrupting government activities; We see in the signs of our times symbolic earthquakes running along the faults of the human, political, and social systems. The religious systems (typified by the moon) are desperately endeavoring to adjust to new philosophic concepts by compromising doctrine and tradition. Morality is de-emphasized to accommodate the new irresponsible self sufficient life-style adopted by many people in today’s social system.

When Jesus declared in the Mt. Olivet prophecy “Heaven and earth shall pass away; but my words shall not pass away” he was stating in effect the same basic truth he would later give to his servant John by Revelation “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever”. Rev. 11:15. A paraphrase of Christ’s words might read “World governments shall go out of existence, but my prophecy concerning them shall stand.”

Peter clearly had the Mt. Olivet prophecy in mind when he wrote the final portion of his second epistle. His quotation “the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night” and the subject matter of this portion of his letter seem to conclusively indicate this.

It seems quite appropriate therefore, that we close this article with Peter’s exhortation “We according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness, Wherefore, beloved, seeing ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless 2 Peter 3:13,14.

A bomb blast shatters the stillness of the night and the concussion ricochets around the courtyard. The damage is minimal (a broken gate-door and splintered windows)—no one is injured; but the impact on national destinies is far greater than similar incidents which have resulted in more extensive destruction.

The place is a Russian Embassy in the United States; and the bomb, one that was thrown by Jewish protesters against the treatment of Jews in Russia. What made this particular explosion so significant was the brief statement that followed the blast — a communication from the protesters that was reminiscent of a similar demand made some 3500 years ago; one that rocked the mighty Egyptian Empire and resulted in its eventual down-fall -‘Let my people go!’

3½ Millenniums ago, the Jewish people were a nation of slaves in Egypt, persecuted by what was then the most powerful nation in the world. But the Jewish people were then, as they still are now, God’s chosen people, through whom He is working out His purpose in the earth. When the time came for their deliverance from Egypt, God raised up Moses to carry a message to Pharaoh, a message which is even today being emblazoned around the world: Let my people go! Its use in Egypt signaled the release of the Jews from the Egyptian oppressor and triggered the open manifestation of God’s power on behalf of His people, and it is entirely possible that it could lead to the same result today.

But this is only one of other striking similarities today to the conditions in ancient Egypt, and all of these have a real meaning for us as we look for the signs that could indicate the return of the Lord.

There are about the same number of Jews in Russia now as in Egypt of old—around 3 million. And although the Jews are not at present in slavery in Russia, they are a captive nation unable to leave the country and subject to persecution. The Jan. 11, 1971 issue of the U.S. News and World Report noted the ferment that is rising in Russia and added that the Soviet crackdown on the Jews is seen as having 3 major purposes:

  1. The Leningrad trial and the arrests of other Jewish troublemakers are intended as a signal to all dissidents in the Soviet Union that they are determined to restore discipline.
  2. The secret police are bent on deterring an epidemic of hi-jacking by posing the threat of severe punishment.
  3. Red officials are intent on deflating a campaign among Russia’s Jews for free­dom to emigrate to Israel.

Since the Mideast War of 1967, when Israel humiliated Russia by crushing its Arab allies, the Kremlin has intensified its anti-Jewish campaign. Prayer groups have been liquidated, synagogues closed down. One authoritative source estimated that only 40 rabbis, at most, remain in Russia and that fewer than 50 synagogues exist today, compared with 3000 before the 1917 revolution. Now these policies are boomeranging—creating a powerful revival in Russia of Jewish nationalism and identification with Israel. It is this resurgence of nationalism, together with a feeling of disenchantment, frustration and even desperation that has led to the audacious drive by Jews for the right to emigrate to Israel.

Its almost like history repeating itself ! The 3 reasons outlined above for Soviet repression of the Jews find their counterpart in ancient Egypt. The outcome will also follow the same basic pattern. In Egypt the Jews were defenseless„ unable to deliver themselves by their own means, but God acted in their stead, and the whole nation was saved by the wonder-working power of God. The pride and pomp of Egypt was shattered and the Jews eventually entered the promised land to become established as the Kingdom of God.

This too, is to find its counterpart in the things soon to happen on the earth; and the current cry to ‘Let my people go’ is one of the signs that the overthrow of Russia and the establishment of the Kingdom of God, under Christ, is indeed drawing nigh.

The prophet Jeremiah tells a vivid story of Israel’s coming deliverance and restoration. Through the inspiration of God, he writes in chapter 31 verse 1, “At the same time, saith the Lord, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people” . . . verse 7, “Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, 0 Lord, save thy people, the remnant of Israel. Behold, I will bring them from the north country (an atlas will show that Russia is directly north of Israel) and gather them from the coasts of the earth.”

In chapter 23 the prophet Jeremiah associates this gathering of Israel with the reign of the Lord Jesus. He writes this, Jer. 23, 5-8, “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and he shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days, Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, the Lord our Righteousness. Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that they shall no more say, the Lord liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, the Lord liveth which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country (Russia) and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.”

From these verses, and many others that could be quoted from the Word of God, there can be no doubt that the release of the Jews from Russia is an important factor in the events which will culminate in the establishment of the Kingdom of God here on the earth. How thrilling then is this sign of their present unrest and desire to return to Zion! How thrilling are the thoughts that are stimulated by this cry from out of the past — Let My People Go.’

The attention of the student of Bible prophecy could be directed to many areas of human affairs to confirm the fact that we are indeed living in the “last days.” “The last days,” “the latter times,” “the time of the end” are Bible phrases which denote a terminal period in human history. They relate to a predetermined time when the governments of men will pass away and be succeeded by a new world order. God’s people from ancient times have eagerly looked forward to this great day when “the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ”. Revelation 11:15. Because this revolutionary change in world affairs will be universal — the signs of this change will also be universal.

It will be readily acknowledged that the whole world is in serious trouble. The problems that affect every phase of life, political, social and economic, are so extensive they are beyond hope of human solution. That an answer can be found in God’s prophetic word is a marvelous thing to contemplate.

The present breakdown in the world’s social system was predicted in the Bible as a sign of the “last days” — 2 Timothy 3:1-7. We see its fulfillment in the widely accepted philosophy of permissive immorality. The suffering and inequities so prevalent in the economic conditions throughout the world also reveal another critical area in human affairs.

It is in the arena of political relationships, however, that the real danger lies. Many statesmen are confident effective progress would be made on social and economic fronts if a workable peace formula could be found. Diplomatic negotiations are under way in many countries to explore ways and means by which this can be accomplished.

In the meantime the war goes on in Viet Nam and a new uneasy extension of the 90 day truce is in effect in the Middle East. It is to this area we direct our attention, for the Bible declares it is in this part of the world the destiny of nations will be decided.

The first question that may be asked is “what is the attitude of Israel and the United Arab Republic as they extend the cease fire period another 90 days?”

Israel’s confidence in its ability to deal with any eventuality is expressed in a quotation taken from the November 16th issue of Newsweek which reads:

”Whatever the diplomats say, Israel’s military men are sure the war along the Suez will explode again next month. When it does, they say, they will be ready with stronger fortifications, 20-mile range cannon (which could he used against Egypt’s missile sites), new water-crossing capability, more planes and electronic gear to run the missile gauntlet. The Israelis also say that if they cross the canal, they will strike as far into Egypt as possible.”

Egypt too, with Russian assistance has strengthened its defenses during the 90 day truce and feels quite confident they are invulnerable to Israeli air raids.

It is very difficult to place special emphasis on any specific current event in the Middle East because conditions change from day to day. Not only Israel and Egypt are involved in this vital area, but many other nations have interests and objectives at stake. It is easy to see how a change of policy in any direction could greatly influence or alter the entire course of events.

An example of this is the effect of the death of Gamel Abdel Nasser on the Arab world. Nasser was not only the head of the most powerful state in the United Arab Republic but had also become a symbol of hope for the Arab cause _______  its benefactor, its Messiah. The Republic, however, in spite of its grief and its keen sense of loss could not afford to stay in a state of shock. Its antagonist was too strong and the disunity of the Arab states too apparent.

It is interesting to observe how quickly Anwar Sadat moved to fill the political vacuum and bolster the U.A.R.’s sagging morale. Under a November 9th ­associated Press headline “Arab Feder-Ation Announced” we read:

“Anwar Sadat, President Jaafar el Nu­mairi of Sudan and Col. Muammar Kadafi, leader of Libya’s military regime, announced plans for a new merger early today after a conference in Cairo. A communique said it “will be a nucleus for the unity of the Arab orld, in affirmation of Arab destiny.

No target date was given for putting the federation into operation.

Under the plan, called the Tripoli Charter in honor of a conference Nas­ser, Kadafi and Numairi held there this year, a tripartite command will first consolidate the political systems in the countries and coordinate their policies, the communique said. The command will set up three-sided boards to govern the confederation later, including a “supreme planning committee,” a national security council for defense, an implementation committee to maintain national progress and subcommittees to handle political, economic, military and social questions.”

It is noteworthy to observe that Nas­ser failed in a similar attempt to unify the Arabs in a federation with Syria and Yemen in 1958. This pact existed principally on paper and was broken by Syria in 1961. Syria has always been uncooperative and belligerent in her relations with Egypt and has been a major obstacle in tentative peace negotiations with Israel.

Today, November 14th, as this article is being written the Marxist government of Syria has been overthrown and:

“Baathist sources in Beirut say they expect Air Marshal Hafez al Assad, leader of the coup that seized power in Syria, to tone down his country’s dogged position to a peaceful settlement of the conflict with Israel.

They said they also expect the 40 ­year-old defense minister to lead Syria into the Arab federation being set up Egypt, Libya and Sudan.”

A national radio network announced today that it has learned through an unofficial but reliable source that Israel’s premier Golda Meir had held private peace talks with King Hussein of Jordan. The result of these informal discussions were said to be constructive and encouraging.

Under the present fluctuating conditions, the profession of a news analyst is indeed a most difficult one. Changes in the International scene come so rapidly and in such unexpected forms that forecasts and projections have to be continually revised and adjusted.

We are thankful that the broad concept of Bible prophecy is not subject to adjustments and revision. The Bible student expects to see the United Arab Republic far from united and stable. The temperamental characteristics of Ishmael and Esau have always been manifest in their descendants. The suspicious distrust so evident in the strained relations between the Arab states attests to the reliability of God’s word concerning them. The prophecy regarding Ishmael in the Revised Standard Version reads: “He shall be a wild ass of a man, his hand against every man and ever man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell over against his kinsmen.” Genesis 16:12

It seems obvious at this particular time that events in the Arab world are in a state of flux. The casual observer might throw up his hands in frustration and say that as far as he can see the Middle East problem is subject to change without notice. But to the student of prophecy this seeming chaos is but a controlled phase in the history of mankind. The swirling movements that are so hard to pinpoint as significant on a prophetic basis are all racing toward the ultimate fulfillment of God’s wonderful plan.

So in this last hour we watch with eager anticipation the course of events, not only in the Middle East, but all over the world knowing they herald the greatest of all events which will bring eventual “peace on earth and good will toward men” — the coming of Christ!

May God help us not only to watch—but to prepare for that Great day.