Everybody is interested in the weather. We are all affected by it and we want to know ahead of time something about whether it will be hot or cold, dry or raining. Weather prediction today is more accurate than it used to be, and yet some of the old reliable signs are still useful.
When in the land of Palestine, our Lord spoke of two of these signs. He said, "When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass." Luke 12:54, 5554And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. 55And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. (Luke 12:54‑55).
Next, He gives them a very sharp exhortation that we who are living today also ought to apply to ourselves. "Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?" v. 56.
Certainly there are many indications or signs today that, when seen in the light of Scripture, tell us much about the times in which we live. It is right, then, for the Christian to look for and understand what is revealed in God's Word about current events and try to see where they fit in God's plan. We always ought to remember that God's plan is always to exalt Christ. This He has already done in placing Him at His own right hand. Soon God will exalt Him on earth as well as in heaven, but some events must take place before God publicly displays His Son as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Recently many brethren have taken a keen interest in the changes throughout Europe and in the exodus of so many Jews from Russia. Questions arise concerning the ten kings and the revived Roman Empire, and also about the two beasts of Rev. 13.
This month's Christian Treasury informs us about the second of these two beasts who is called the False Prophet, or the Antichrist.
In writing about him, the first thing we can definitely state is that Christians shall not know him, for he is not revealed until after the rapture. This is important and also is a comfort, for he cannot work his wickedness while we who have the Holy Spirit are still on the earth.
We do not say that the Antichrist is not alive now on the earth, but that he is not known nor will be known while we are here.
The quick changes of power that we have recently seen in nations should be a reminder that after the rapture that person to whom Satan gives great power may quickly rise up. The Antichrist—a Jew—will work closely with the first beast of Rev. 13 who will be a Gentile. Together they are Satan's last attempt to take over the earth. Read Rev. 19 and 20 to see the end.
Ed.