Distress Of Nations

As 1973 draws to its close, world conditions, grave at its beginning, have deteriorated rapidly. There is crisis everywhere. Our Lord's words depicting world conditions at the end-time, "Men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world" (Luke 21:26), accurately describe the present world picture.

The outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East on October 6 seemed to take the Great Powers by surprise. After feverish United Nations activity a ceasefire was ordered on October 22. But fighting continued in some sectors, and for some days it looked as if there would be a full-scale resumption of 'hostilities. During this period there were acrimonious exchanges between the contestants on the precise location of the ceasefire lines.

In the initial stages of the 17-day war the Syrians and the Egyptians made spectacular gains and inflicted heavy casualties on the Israelis both of men and military equipment. Gradually, however, the Israelis contained the initial onslaught and took the offensive. By the time the ceasefire was imposed the Israelis were making steady progress, particularly on the Sinai front where they had crossed the Suez Canal and driven a corridor some miles in the direction of Cairo. This isolated a large Egyptian force which was trapped on the east side of the Canal.

A few days after the ceasefire the world was shocked by the possibility, always feared, that a local conflict would escalate into a global confrontation between the Great Powers. How close to the brink the world came during these few days is still being debated. What is clear is that on Thursday, October 25, the U.S.A. ordered a nuclear alert and all American forces throughout the world were standing ready for action. This drastic measure confirms the strategic importance of the Middle East region. Once more history confirms what Scripture foretells:

Israel will be the focal point of world politics at the end-time.

One of the consequences of this world-shaking event was some disarray between the U.S.A. and her N.A.T.O. allies. This may well lead to a speeding up of a United States of Europe. The nine E.E.C. countries are due to reach a measure of political unity by 1980. But the recent Middle East events will, no doubt, lead to a reappraisal of this programme when the E.E.C. meets at Copenhagen at the end of this month. These developments are of deep interest to students of Biblical prophecy.

Oil, is a key factor in Arab strategy against Israel. The threat of an oil embargo on nations favouring Israel is another example of the hazards incurred by those who would befriend her. It remains to be seen what measures will be adopted to meet this threat.

The agreement to accept the ceasefire ordered by the United Nations was duly signed by Egyptian and Israeli military representatives on November 11 at checkpoint 101 on the SuezCairo road. For this achievement great credit was given to the U.S. Secretary of State, Dr Henry Kissinger. This remarkable diplomat, himself a Jew and a refugee from Nazi terrorism, accomplished what was thought to be well nigh impossible. It is widely hoped that the six-point truce, the first document in 24 years to be signed jointly by Israel and Egypt, will lead at last to meaningful negotiations."

Meanwhile there is considerable political unrest in Israel itself. There is controversy over the conduct of the war and terms of the ceasefire agreement. These, no doubt, will be crucial issues at the Israeli General Election due on December 31. At the time of writing an exchange of prisoners, one of the first results of the ceasefire agreement, is under way. This is a hopeful sign that both sides are taking early steps to implement the six-'point truce.

While the Middle East war has caused great apprehension the world over, there are many other harassing problems facing mankind. We referred to some of these on this page in January last. The year began with dark foreboding clouds; it is ending with deepening gloom. We refer again to our Lord's words as an apt commentary on the present distress: "Men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world".

In January last we emphasized the need for confession and humiliation on the part of God's people. Recent events underline that need. Are we not far too complacent; too much at ease in Zion? Do we not need an awakening, a fresh awareness of our solemn responsibilities in these critical days of human history? Let us then have "our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe" (1 Tim. 4:10).

unknown | Dec 1973
Comment By Torchlight