Winds of Change

Back in the 1960s America pledged to “pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe.” This was heady stuff as the middle 80s is proving when put to the test. Policing the world has sapped much of the nation’s wealth and at the same time allowed the economy to be outsmarted by competitors who are profited by America’s military unbrella. Quoting from the U.S. News, “we are simply overextended, and tougher times seem inevitable.” The article continues, “If America wants to avoid a true catastrophe, it needs to finance its own deficit, and that requires more than the patchwork plans formulated by Congress and the leading presidential canditates.” Further doom is added — “The American century is over.” If what is being said by political analyists were coming from premilennial students of prophecy only a few would be stirred. What we have been saying for nearly 200 years the secular world is beginning to catch up. Noah’s preaching was unheeded until the flood came, then all was realized too late (Gen. 6:3, 2 Peter 2:5).

written in 1870 and based on a biblical viewpoint, are impressive, “As to America, I conceive that the young giant power which has grown so fast will sink still faster, probably through intestinal quarrel, but assuredly something before that day comes. They will break up into different fragments. Their prime object is to maintain political unity. This is their great ambition, and though it may appear to stand and advance, as everything ambitious is apt to prosper for a time, it will all be blown down before long. For it is a remarkable fact that there is no prophecy for a vast influential power, such as the American United States would naturally be, if it so long contained its cohesion. Is it conceivable that there should be such a power existing at that day without any mention of it? Can the omission be accounted for save by dissolution? However, I particularly wish everyone to understand that this is merely drawn from general principles of the Word of God.”

Just how things will work out for the two nations that are front and centre just now remain to be seen. God is not an American. Atheistic Russia probably hasn’t the slightest inkling of its role in prophecy (Ezekiel 38-39) and despite its possible and temporary success under its “Time” Man of the Year — Gorbachev —Scripture is clear that divine judgment will not slumber.

The Primaries

The typical American excitement as to who will be the next President is beginning to dawn. The prospects for either party, say the polsters, are even. So far the Democrats are fielding their hopefuls who have been termed the seven dwarfs. In comparison the Republicans have two candidates of considerable stature that at the time of writing are the front runners. The problems the next President faces are gigantic. They may even catch up before Reagan leaves office. Americans still want everything, more spending, but balk at paying the bills. Some candidates are still so liberal that they cannot meet a social program that they don’t like and with no respect for economics.

Unfortunately none suggest the sacrifices required to solve the national debt, but expect to be elected. Walter Mondale’s suggestion of increasing taxes contributed to his downfall. It’s the old cry and attitude so common, “Which say to the seers, see not; and to the prophets, prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits” (Isa. 30:10).

There are some upsetting possibilities in the offing. The uncertainty of the dollar’s value could bring on a world depression. Upheavals in Haiti have created floods of refugees. Panama and Chile could follow. Somehow the United States cannot keep its hands off South Africa. Israel continues to be the world’s prime flashpoint. The average voter has a better knowledge of football scores than geopolitics.

The old question, “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” lingers at the time of writing, but can it last until November? Pocketbook issues still are the big factor. It is obvious that God is not allowing matters to be a heaven on earth. As we approach the end of the dispensation, there appears to be an acceleration of the desolations that have been determined (Dan. 9:26). Or Ezekiel 21:27 put it this way. “I will overturn, overturn, overturn it: and it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and I will give it to Him.” “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”