May 1987 - Editorial

A Christian disciple who lives in unreserved separation to his God will probably not enjoy the dramatic successes of Daniel and his three friends. They moved in aristocratic circles, so that their brave witness had empire-wide effects. God rewarded them accordingly, but what of us in humbler walks of life? Perhaps we find the answer in the experiences of the people who, with Ezra and Nehemiah and other leaders, left Babylon for Jerusalem to restore the ruins of the house of God. Lessons from those two spheres of divine activity are drawn by our main contributor this month.

Towards the end of Daniel's fruitful life a tiny remnant of Israel returned to their homeland, but found themselves "in great affliction and reproach" (Neh. 1:3). There were failures, but the reward of faithfulness was, "build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD" (Hag. 1:7); and, "I am with you saith the LORD" (v.13). With many such encouraging words, doubts were overcome and the work went forward to completion. Scripture offers the same encouragement to separated disciples today. We are "servants of the Most High God"!

In that article Mr. Ferguson comments on an ancient dispersion and return to the land, while Focus this month deals with its modem counterpart. Scripture has much to say about this movement and its suffering, but much also about the regathering to the land of Israel. By divine decree history will repeat itself and the house of God will be rebuilt, at the same time Messiah will reign for a thousand years. "Unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings" (Mal. 1:2) is a great promise for both Christian and Jew.

unknown | May 1987
Editorial