We sing, ‘Nations are angry – by this we do know: Jesus is coming again! It seems we are not the only ones singing from that hymn sheet:
“It’s a time of severe geopolitical turbulence,” (Andrew Rawnsley, The Observer).
“The World at the start of 2017 feels very different, and much more perilous than it did a year ago,” (Ben Macintyre, The Times).
“With Russia becoming more aggressive, China – authoritarian, and America – isolationist, it’s time to ‘Buckle Up’,” says former NATO Supreme Commander Admiral James G. Stavridis.
Digging a little deeper, the Washington Post’s Robert J. Samuelson turns to Henry Kissinger for context: “In his latest book, ‘World Order’, Henry Kissinger argues: The world is at its greatest peril when the international order is moving from one system to another. Restraints disappear, and the field is open to the most expansive claims and the most implacable actors.” He writes, “Chaos follows until a new system of order is established. It’s a sobering warning.” (Robert J. Samuelson, The Washington Post).
Which reminds me of the glass fibre sculpture on the wall of the Trans-European Division office, depicting the three Angels of Revelation 14 (pictured). They continue to give a sober and urgent warning – about the gospel – in a unique timeframe – judgement time (14:6). Any persons or powers thinking it possible to save themselves, they’re finished (14:8), and if you really do insist on trying to save yourself, or alter God’s law, you will be lost – it’s that serious (14:9-11).
Dig a little deeper into the text and Kissinger’s assessment seems to ring true, restraints in troubled times do disappear (not least freedom to worship). Could his warning somehow confirm what John and the three Angels have been trying to say for a very long time, that a new system of order is coming, but in-between – expect chaos? While Kissinger is astute in his understanding of world affairs, it’s John the Apostle who’s able to see far beyond the trouble, offering hope in the risen Christ, the victorious Lamb of God on Mount Zion (14:1). In the end, he assures the reader, the Lamb wins!
This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus (14:12). “Buckle Up,” says the Admiral and many others, “there’s trouble ahead for the geopolitical world, as never before.” For matters spiritual Paul’s advice is similar, “Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Is it possible that as nations and people wonder which way world events will go, the message of those three Angels become ever more relevant by the day?
Jesus is Coming Again!
Best wishes for 2017.
David
First Things 1st is the monthly blog of the Stewardship Ministries Department of the Trans-European Division. The purpose is to restore and strengthen the principles of biblical stewardship, leading to a strong, mature, and joyful faith in Christ for those we serve.