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| December 2002 |
Vol.5, No. 10
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Praying More Than Ever, "Thy Kingdom Come"
In this Nov. 22 letter E-mailed to United
Church of God elders, Roy Holladay, president of the United Church of God, discussed
many issues that we feel would benefit our subscribers.
by Roy Holladay
It has been more than a year since the world, and especially the United States,
received the rude awakening that we now simply call "9/11." While there
were political, military and economic tensions before the events of that day, the
collapse of the World Trade Center towers and the attack on the Pentagon provoked
a new level of unrest, changing passive confrontation between Western nations and
supporters of terrorism into active conflict.
As we watch world affairs (Matthew 16:1-3) and maintain a sober vigilance of our
spiritual condition (Mark 13:32-37; Luke 12:35-40), it is important that we realize
the impact of such events and what they could mean for the future, in light of biblical
prophecy.
The price for the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, has been highñand it continues to rise.
Here are some of the costs of this one event:
- The estimated losses for New York City in 2002 will be $1.6
billion.
- The estimated losses for the state of New York in 2002 will
also be $1.6 billion.
- Combined estimated losses for the city and state in 2003 will
be approximately $5.8 billion.
- Airlines have absorbed billions of dollars in losses during
the past 14 months.
- A newly released report estimates that the cost to the U.S.
national economy of these terrorist attacks will reach $639.3 billion, with a loss
of two million jobs. Financial damage will be at least twice that of Hurricane Andrew
in 1992, the previous most costly U.S. disaster.
All of this from the precisely targeted terrorist attacks of
9/11! What would be the results if several more coordinated attacks occurred at key
military and financial locations?
The Bible warns us that times will certainly become worse before we see a turnaround
with the return of Christ. Jesus stated in Matthew 24:6-8, "You will hear of
wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must
come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom
against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various
places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." Paul wrote Timothy that "perilous"
or stressful times would come (2Timothy 3:1).
The sniper attacks in the Washington, D.C., area also had their negative effects
in creating an environment of fear and panic in that area. Again, what would happen
if there were coordinated sniper attacks in many big cities, airports, schools and
public buildings? Air traffic would shut down. Schools would close. People would
be afraid to go about their daily business. The possible economic effects would be
staggering.
Daniel foretold a time of trouble "such as never was since there was a nation"
(Daniel 12:1). In Jeremiah 30:4-7 we read of Jacob's trouble, that there will never
be a time like it. Modern-day Israelñprimarily the United States and Britain but
also all the descendants of the scattered tribesñare heading to a time of increasing
calamity. Perhaps in the events of recent months we are beginning to get a clearer
picture of how that might take place. We may be seeing the beginning of Jacob's trouble.
Leviticus 26 remains an important chapter of the Bible to consider as we observe
world events. In this chapter, God lists the blessings that Israel would receive
for obeying Himñand the curses if it did not. The blessings are generous, and we
in the United States and other Western countries have been the recipients of the
promises to Abraham.
Verses 3-4,6 and 8 read as follows: "If you walk in My statutes and keep My
commandments, and perform them, then I will give you rain in its season, the land
shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit... I
will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid...Five
of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight;
your enemies shall fall by the sword before you."
Prosperity comes when a nation follows God. We will reap what we have sown.
In the United States, we recently celebrated the national holiday of Thanksgiving.
The early settlers realized that the bounty and blessings they were able to enjoy
were because of God's hand. This observance is an annual reminder that every good
thing comes from God. Of course, we as Christians know we need to thank God on a
regular basis, remembering His mercy and gifts to us. As our ways please Him, those
blessings will continueñindividually and nationally. An important part of us remembering
God is to thank Him for what He has given us personally and collectively as a nation.
We also have much to be grateful for spiritually. Certainly the promise of the Kingdom
gives us reassurance and a confident outlook, despite the troubling times in which
we live. The Kingdom of God will eventually replace all kings and national governments
(Daniel 2:31-45; 7:13-18,22,26-27) and we will be directly involved in that Kingdom!
In the meantime, we have the privilege (Mark 16:15-16) of bringing hope to others
thatñdespite the current traumasña better time is coming, and will last for eternity.
Continuing in Leviticus 26, we read that curses follow disobedience. We read the
following later in the chapter: "But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe
all these commandments...I will even appoint terror over you, wasting disease and
fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your
seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. I will set My face against you, and
you shall be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign over you, and
you shall flee when no one pursues you...
"I will break the pride of your power; I will make your heavens like iron and
your earth like bronze. And your strength shall be spent in vain; for your land shall
not yield its produce, nor shall the trees of the land yield their fruit" (Leviticus 26:14,16-17,19-20).
In areas of health, economics, weather and military strength, people will suffer
if not obedient to God. As we have seen with the events of Sept. 11, 2001, a catastrophe
in one area can produce domino effects in other areas.
Let us consider for a moment the phrase, "You shall flee when no one pursues
you." We may have asked ourselves in the past how this could happenñespecially
in the United States with the strongest military in the world. The terrorist and
sniper attacks in the past months have given us a possible answer. Even though no
army was threatening America's borders, people in America's capital were afraid to
do their normal travel for a period of time. Again - what would happen with multiple
attacks in sensitive areas?
There are a couple of other aspects that we as Christians need to be aware of from
such events. One is the fragility of our society. For all of the economic might of
the Western world, it is also fragile. Just a few events could send our economy into
a tailspin. It would not take much for the world to experience a full-blown economic
and military crisis.
Another is how quickly major changes can come. "For when they say, 'Peace and
safety!' then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant
woman. And they shall not escape" (1Thessalonians 5:3). Literally within minutes
on Sept. 11, the world became a different place. It behooves us to always be watchful
and ready (verses 4-8).
Other headlines underline the fact that we are living in times of stress, and that
any number of events could trigger a major crisis on the world scene. Some recent
ones are:
- "FBI Warns of Risk of al-Qaida Attack."
- "U.S. Braces for Execution Reprisals."
- "Europeans Warn of Terror Attacks."
- "Russia Says Nuclear Material Missing."
Another trend to be aware of in these events is religious tension.
Fanatical fervor in the name of Islam has been behind most of the terrorist activity.
These include the events of Sept. 11, the later attempt to blow up a U.S. airliner,
the shootings at the Los Angeles airport, the hostage crisis in a Moscow theater,
the bombing of a French tanker and the bombing of a nightclub in Bali.
Obviously these were extremists, performing radical acts. However, conflicts between
Jews, Christians and Muslims have a long history that has been more or less active
in the 20th century. With the Middle East, especially Jerusalem, home to some of
the most sacred sites of all three beliefs, we can expect to continue to see strife
and violence in the name of religion.
In our lifetime, most religious armed conflict in the Middle East has not directly
involved Christianity. Is that trend in the process of changing? On Oct. 18, 2002,
the Charisma News Service reported that a leading Muslim cleric from Iran had called
for the death of Jerry Falwell, Franklin Graham and Pat Robertson.
The Catholic World News reported on Nov. 11, 2002: "Vatican officials
point out, however, that there were credible threats of an assassination against
the (pope) in 1995, when he visited the Philippines for World Youth Day.
Officials acknowledge that U.S. intelligence agents warned of an al-Qaida plan directed
by Osama bin Laden, prompting tight security precautions." How would Europe,
South America and other heavily Catholic countries react if such an attempt were
ever successful?
Speaking of Europe, the terrorist events of the last several months have widened
the philosophical gap between America and its (for now) European allies. Europe,
especially Germany, is nervous about America's desire to remove Saddam Hussein with
force. In fact, in recent German national elections, Chancellor Schröder made
it his election platform that Germany would not support an invasion of Iraq.
In the November 2002 World News and Prophecy, Melvin Rhodes wrote an insightful
article titled "The Coming Clash Between Europe and America." Mr. Rhodes
highlighted key facts in current U.S.-European relations, including Europe's distrust
of America's foreign policy, trade disputes and Europe's criticism of America's environmental
practices. Many Europeans chafe over the military and economic might of the United
States, realizing that there is not much they can do about it.
All of these are just initial indicators of stress between these two powers. We read
in Revelation 17:12-14 about a coming beast-power, and nations giving their power
to the beast. We don't know when that will occur in its final form, but clearly,
the foundation is taking shape.
What does all of this mean for you and me? The Scriptures give us direction as we
head into these unsettling times (emphasis added throughout).
- Revelation 3:10-11: "Because you have kept My command
to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come
upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming
quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown."
- Luke 21:34-36: "But take heed to yourselves, lest your
hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that
Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell
on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you
may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to
stand before the Son of Man."
- Matthew 24:32-33,44,46: "Now learn this parable from
the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you
know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that
it is near, at the doors!...Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of
Man is coming at an hour you do not expect...Blessed is that servant whom his master,
when he comes, will find so doing."
Above all, we need to be close to our Heavenly Father in prayer.
We need to pray that His Kingdom will come soon (Matthew 6:10). We need to pray that
we will be able to do the work of the Church in peace, for as long as He wills (1 Timothy 2:1-4). We need to pray for the strength and perseverance to endure the times
that are coming upon this world. God has promised us protection, and we will receive
that deliverance by remaining dedicated to Him and seeking first His Kingdom.
The great news, of course, that we always emphasize is that after these terrible
events, Jesus Christ will return to rule the earth! That is the only real hope for
mankind, and that is our confidence and joy as we observe world events. May God speed
the day of Christ's coming and the establishment of His government on earth.
wnp
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