Divided Nation

The result of the General Election in Britain revealed the perplexed and frustrated state of the electorate. In this situation the task of the new government will be extremely difficult. The feeling is widespread that another election in the near future is inevitable. It is not for us to comment on the political implications of the present situation but to remind ourselves that whatever the ups and downs of public opinion, "the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men". We may be assured that notice was taken in heaven of the fervent prayers of God's people during the recent election. The affairs of the universe and His purpose for this planet and its inhabitants are in the capable hands of Him who is "the Heir of all things".

As we look out on the sorrows and struggles of mankind, and as the floods of ungodliness surge around us, let our spirits be uplifted by the glorious promise, "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea" (Isa. 11:9). And if, like the psalmist, the cry, "How long, 0 Lord", rises in our hearts, let us remember that the timing of events is in the hands of an all-wise God who works all things after the counsel of His will.

No doubt the setting of Psalm 46 is primarily in a day yet to come but its message is relevant to the situation in which find ourselves in this troubled age:

"Be still, and know that I am God:

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.

The LORD of Hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our refuge" (Psa. 46:10,11).

Meanwhile God's people must be directed to serve the counsel of God in our own generation. We must not be deflected from the path of separation, nor grow weary in prayer and labour for our fellowmen. In this connexion the article on page 61 of this issue, Bring back the Prophet, by R. Armstrong, is timely. We commend its consideration by readers. The warning about the spiritual paralysis which may be brought on by apparently harmless and legitimate things should be heeded by us all. So should the plea for renewed holiness of life in this day of looseness and immorality.

The Vision of God

Some years ago during an open-air gospel campaign we visited one of the poorer areas of the town, some distance from our meeting room. We took our stand at a T-junction in a street after deciding that this was a good vantage point from which to deliver our short gospel message. It was dusk. Soon after we commenced our meeting the bedroom window of one of the small four-roomed cottages was noisily opened and a long tube pointing heavenwards appeared. Naturally all eyes were turned to see the cause of the disturbance, and one brother whispered, "He's going to shoot". Nothing of that sort happened, however, and we continued preaching. Suddenly the front door of the cottage facing us was flung open and out rushed a diminutive old man, shabbily dressed in cloth cap and ill-fitting overcoat. "I've got it! I've got it!" he shouted excitedly, "Anybody like to come and see?"

Our meeting was disrupted and had to be abandoned. But so earnest was the old man that some of the brethren ventured into his dismal little house. Inside, they had to squeeze past some valuable and evidently intricate scientific equipment to reach the tiny bedroom to discover the cause of the old man's jubilation. That tube pointing heavenwards was a powerful telescope and in its sights was one of the planets as it moved in orbit - I think it was Venus. The only part of the heavens this man could explore was the small area visible through the T-junction just facing that tiny bedroom! He had waited patiently on the movement of the planet into the area covered by his telescope. It was to him such a magnificent sight that he could not contain his joy and longed to share it with anyone interested.

Here was a man feasting on the music of the stars while his neighbours were occupied with trivialities. They were listening to the radio, attending the cinema or the public house (there was no T.V. or bingo in those days); he was entranced by the study of the heavens. All his resources were devoted to his quest; home comforts were sacrificed. His neighbours regarded him as an eccentric to be pitied. He was, in fact, a dedicated amateur astronomer.

The moral: there is a vast spiritual panorama awaiting our exploration; an entrancing, captivating region for those with spiritual vision to explore it. Do we seek spiritual enlightenment from the Divine Spirit through the word, and apply ourselves, at all costs, to the discovery of the spiritual wealth which is ours in Christ? Or are we content to grub among the trivialities which engage so many of our fellow-men? Whatever our limitations, circumstances or trials the vision of God will lift our spirits to "the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God" (Col. 3:1).

unknown | Apr 1974
Comment By Torchlight