In spite of the confusion we see in the world today, everything is moving according to the divine plan. “We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth” (2 Cor. 13:8). All that God has foretold is going to be fulfilled, according to His way. It will not be through the accomplishment of man. God Himself will bring it about, and it will be by the Man of His counsels, His own beloved Son.
The Testimony of Jesus
That is why prophecy is important to us; it is “the testimony of Jesus,” showing how He will have His rightful place: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy [or, the prophecy made more sure], whereunto ye do well that ye take heed” (2 Peter 1:19). The Lord has foretold these things; He has not withheld anything that is needful for us. “All things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:1515Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. (John 15:15)). He has not called us servants, but friends; He wants us to know what is coming. The Christian is the only person who has an intelligent outlook on what is taking place in the world.
Light in the Dark
Here it speaks of prophecy as “a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star [or, the morning star] arise in your hearts.” Prophecy has particularly to do with the earth — with the kingdom being established, where the Lord Jesus will be known as “the King of kings and Lord of lords.” It tells us that the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ. So all the prophecies point on to that time when all this will be fulfilled. But before that — just as the Morning Star arises before the day — we look for the Lord Jesus to come. As we see events moving onward (I do not say prophecy actually being fulfilled, but movements in that direction), we can say that the moment is drawing near. Prophecy is a light that shines in a dark place.
Our Present-Day Outlook
How surprised we would be by the events that have taken place during the past few years if it were not for the Word of God! But, as we learn from God’s Word, we know that the nations of Europe are going to come together, and there will be the establishment of ten kingdoms, and not by force, “for God hath put in their hearts to fulfill His will, and to agree, and give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled” (Rev. 17:1717For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. (Revelation 17:17)). And now we see events taking place in the Middle East as well, just as God has told us. So the Christian, instead of being surprised by the things which have happened, knows that God has foretold them.
Russia
At one time there was a fear that Russia would attack the Western world, but prophecy makes no mention of such an attack. Prophecy shows us that at the end of the tribulation they will make their great attack on the nation of Israel. After the Lord has come and destroyed the armies of the Beast and dealt with the King of the North, then Russia will play her part. So, for the time, she more or less fades into the background. How wonderful it is to have the Word of God and to know that we can look out with assurance on all that is taking place!
The Light of Prophecy
But what should be the result of this? It is a dark place in which we live; if it were not for the light of prophecy it would indeed look gloomy. The Bible speaks of men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth. People are trembling as they see the breakdown of everything committed to man, the environment and all else. But prophecy is “a light that shines in a dark place.” All these events are only to cause us to look up, to lift up our heads, knowing that our redemption draws nigh.
The Morning Star
“Until the day dawn, and the day star [the morning star] arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19). The Lord Jesus comes for us as the “bright and morning star.” For Israel He is spoken of as the “Sun of righteousness, with healing in His wings,” because, when Israel shall be delivered, it will be for earthly blessing. This world’s ills will be healed when the Lord Jesus has His rightful place, and not in any other way! But, just as the morning star arises before the day, so we look for the Lord Jesus to come — “the bright and morning star.”
You and I, through grace, belong to the present church period. We do not have earthly hopes. Whenever we as Christians become involved with trying to improve the world, it is like painting a sinking ship. That is not our work here. Our work is to proclaim the gospel, and, when we have proclaimed the gospel, to bring the precious truths of Christian position, liberty and blessing before God’s people. But we have nothing to do with setting the world right, for it will not be set right by the church’s efforts. “When Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness” (Isa. 26:99With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. (Isaiah 26:9)).
The Revived Roman Empire
This present period is not actually the subject of prophecy, but we can see the beginning of events now, for Israel is going back to their land in unbelief. God will use the revived Roman Empire in Europe, probably backed by those (like America) who really have their roots from the old Roman Empire, to make a seven-year treaty to protect Israel in their land. The last stage of the Roman Empire is spoken of in Scripture as “iron mixed with clay.” We read of this in Daniel 2:4343And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. (Daniel 2:43): “Whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.” So, from the stock of those nations who once formed the Roman Empire they have spread abroad, entered into other parts of the world — North and South America, and so forth — and now there is a mixture — not all from the old Roman stock, but “mingled with the seed of men.” There will be a lack of unity because of this. The revived Roman Empire is spoken of in the Revelation as “a third part of men,” and they will agree to protect Israel. We see the trend toward formation of this empire taking place in Europe today, with the European Union of today. How remarkable that you and I should be living in such a time as this!
What Effect!
Because of this, “what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?” (2 Peter 3:11). How should this affect us? We know what is coming. If we know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, can we be indifferent to all this? What effect does it have upon us? I believe we all have to admit that the time is drawing very, very near. We know not the day nor the hour, but we should be a waiting and watching people. May the Lord keep us until that day!
G. H. Hayhoe (adapted)