Understanding The Times

The early weeks of 1975 have brought no rift in the dark clouds which overshadowed mankind during 1974. Western nations are haunted by fears of world recession and mass unemployment. The general impression is that the world is drifting helplessly in the grip of events it is unable to control. Confidence in political leaders is undermined by exposure of corruption in high places. Exhortations by world statesmen seem to fall on deaf ears, and the nations look in vain for a leader of stature who will galvanize public opinion and formulate a policy to deal with the situation.

To add to this crisis of confidence is the haunting fear of a further outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East. Observers on all sides predict that this is inevitable. And there is general alarm that another war in that region could not be confined to Israel and her Arab neighbours. The energy crisis which revolves around the rich oilfields of the Middle East has become central in the diplomacy of the consumer nations. This has become increasingly evident in recent months. There have been, in the past, dramatic about turns from the brink of total war, and we know that, whatever the nations plan, developments in that area will but confirm Israel's future role as disclosed in the sure word of prophecy. But the present situation is more grave than ever before because of the risk of total nuclear war.

To seek an understanding of the times, and the dangers to God's

people in these troublous days, is a solemn challenge to us all. We cannot opt out by hiding our heads in the sand. These are our days and in them we are to be "the salt of the earth". An obvious feature of this age is the decay in stable government. The present drift is away from the democratic way of life with its

freedom of expression and freedom to worship. Disregard for the rule of law in many countries has led to anarchy, and this in turn has paved the way for ruthless dictatorships.

A year ago on this page we drew attention to the mounting persecution of professing Christians in certain countries where governments follow an atheistic political philosophy. We should not nurse the illusion that such conditions will never reach us. The prophetic word clearly indicates that end-time ideology will follow this pattern. No matter how it may be disguised the underlying motive in mankind's onward march is complete disavowal of human accountability to the Creator. Fostered by God's great adversary men of this world, down the ages, have cherished the delusion of a Utopia on this earth, with God outside.

There are very obvious dangers to God's people in such a climate as this. We mention but two: apathy and discouragement. To fortify ourselves against these insidious foes we need, above all else, a fresh vision of the greatness of our God. We need to see His face afresh. Without the vision of God we lose His reflected glory, and lapse into a lifeless formality. Instead of being "lights, in the world, holding forth the way of life", we become hardly distinguishable from our unsaved neighbours. The psalmist aptly sums it up in his plea:

"Hide not Thy face from me;

Lest I become like them that go down into the pit"

(Psa. 143:7).

"Be of good cheer"

When the Master used this encouraging phrase there was always a very good reason for the cheerfulness He advocated. To the man sick of the palsy, borne of four, the ground for good cheer came in the words, "Thy sins are forgiven thee" (Matt. 9:2): and the woman with the issue of blood who tremblingly touched the hem of His garment heard it in the gracious benediction, "Daughter, be of good cheer; thy faith hath made thee whole" (Matt. 9:22). The disciples, storm-tossed in their frail craft and unable to discern in the darkness the identity of the shadowy figure walking on the sea, had their fears dispelled as soon as He spoke, "Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid".

These are three good reasons why we too should be encouraged by the Master's words: the forgiveness of our sins, the grace of faith and the assurance of His presence while we are storm-tossed on the sea of life. Here is another:

"In the world ye have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have

overcome the world" (John 16:33).

unknown | Feb 1975
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