Many episodes of terrorism have been felt in various parts of the world in the past year. One definition of terrorism is that it is the premeditated murder, maiming and menacing of innocent people to frighten and to gain a political victory. The ruthless murder of 21 Jewish worshipers in the synagogue in Istanbul is a prime example. Kidnapping, hijacking, bombing and hostage-taking are increasing.
Quite naturally, questions arise as to why these things are happening. What is the cause? Is it something new and will it stop? No, it is not new and it will continue. Since this world rejected the Prince of Peace and chose a murderer and robber, it has increasingly suffered from murderers and robbers and has had no peace.
Three cases of banditry or terrorism are cited in the book of The Acts. Gamaliel in chapter five says, "For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to naught. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed." Also in chapter twenty one the chief captain said, "Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four hundred men that were murderers?”
Treachery, terror and treaty-breaking have been the world's history from those days till now. True, it does seem that these things are increasing and we believe that they will increase. We are in the last days of this period of grace and next will come the terrible delusion and dreadful hatred and unrestrained wickedness of men's hearts under Satan's influence in the time of the great tribulation.
Today's terrorism springs mostly from a collaboration of Marxist and Muslim radicalism against the West, the nations of Christendom. The Adversary, the devil, already seems to be exerting what power he can through atheism and Mohammedanism against professing Christian and Jewish lands.
The great power in the background is Russia. Twice the inspired prophet Isaiah tells us something of her character of treachery. "The treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously." Isa. 24:16. Again, "Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou wast not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! When thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; and when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee." Isa. 33:1.
In order to live quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty we ought to pray earnestly for the powers that be. "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior." 1 Tim. 2:3. The Holy Spirit indwells each believer and so we have the comfort that "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." 1 John 4:4. Also in 2 Thess. 2:7, about the Holy Spirit it says, "He who now letteth [hinders] will let [hinder], until He be taken out of the way." This will occur at the rapture when all believers are caught up. Then the poor world will not have the direct restraining action of the Holy Spirit and terrorism surely will be everywhere. Ed.