For the year 1990 we begin with THE BOOK. These are the first two words in the New Testament. They especially apply to Matthew's gospel, but they remind us that God has written a book which we call the Bible. Surely it will be good for all Christians, as we begin the nineties, to take a fresh interest in the coming of God into this world in the Person of Jesus the Savior—Emmanuel, which means God with us.
It has been close to 6000 years since God placed our first parents upon this earth. The year 1990 means that it is now nearly 2000 years since Jesus was born of the virgin who was espoused to Joseph. The date would be more correct if we would add four or five years to 1990, because the best chronologists put the date of Jesus' birth at 4 or 5 B.C. We are living in very interesting times and should want to know what God has made known about coming events.
“The book of the generation of Jesus Christ" traces His lineage down from Abraham and David to establish His royalty as the Messiah, presented to God's earthly people who were then in the land. Although Christ was rejected at His first coming, it has only postponed the sure purpose of God to set His Son upon His holy hill in Jerusalem. That time is drawing near.
One of the things that points to this is the plan for Europe. Nearly everyone is interested and concerned about what the twelve nations in the European Community are doing, and their schedule that they intend to complete by the end of 1992. As these things may relate to Christ and the Christian and the Jew, we too are interested in what is taking place now.
One of man's views about these things is expressed in this headline: "The Unification of Europe Is Making News. It Can Also Make You Money." Man has two great driving forces. They are greed and fear. These two forces are working now to put in place what the Bible tells us will be the revived Roman Empire. There will be ten kings who will receive power with the beast, the imperial head of this great power in the west.
In Europe the fear of not getting together has already driven the unification forward and will continue to do so most certainly. The great wealth of Japan and the immense prosperity of North America put great pressure on Europe. Of the ten largest banks in the world, the first eight are in Japan followed by one in the U.S. and then one in France. But the Europeans are increasing rapidly. Europe anticipates an immense increase in commerce as the border barriers are removed.
The Jews are in the land. The great powers to the south and north are in place as well as in the west. The hordes of the east are there. (Rev. 16:1212And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. (Revelation 16:12).) What is lacking? Nothing that we know of that is necessary before the Lord comes to take His redeemed ones out of the world before the judgments that precede and prepare for His reign in power and glory.
Matthew tells of that coming with these words, "When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory." Matt. 25:3131When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: (Matthew 25:31). Let us who belong to Christ now rejoice in anticipation of His exaltation. He is worthy! (See Rev. 5:9, 129And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Revelation 5:9)
12Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. (Revelation 5:12).)
Ed.