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The Times
A Tale of Two Cities (1859) is a historical novel by Charles Dickens, set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. I had to read it years ago while taking classical English in high school. It begins with the words, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” In a sense, this aptly describes the days we are living in right now.
On the one hand, it is the best of times because we are at the end of the Christian era, and the Lord Jesus is about to come and call us to be with Himself in the Father’s house. He has promised, “And, behold, I come quickly” (Revelation 22:12). Never have we been closer to the fulfillment of that promise than right now, and meanwhile people are hearing the gospel and getting saved in unusual and wonderful ways.
On the other hand, it is the worst of times. Paul wrote, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come” (2 Timothy 3:1). Peter wrote, “Knowing this … that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts” (2 Peter 3:3). The Lord said, “When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28). Indeed, the best of times are ahead for the believer.
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