Recent months seem to have produced an abundant crop of written speculations attempting to fit various contemporary political and international phenomena into private schemes of prophetic fulfillment. A similar vogue is apparent among some evangelists who feel it to be incumbent on the preacher of the Word to be able to point out not only certain nations and political forces as objects of prophetic utterance, but also to predict the exact course that will be taken by them.
Surely the kaleidoscopic changes that the last few years have witnessed in the European political situation, the countries of Asia, and none the less in the American hemisphere, should give pause to those who would assume the role of predictor and interpreter of motives behind movements taking place. Nor does a correct understanding of the message of the prophets require that this be done.
Well would it be if the chief end of all prophecy were remembered to be the setting forth of the Prince of Peace as the Saviour of mankind. Even those prophecies that are manifestly applicable to our times have as their primary burden, not the arraignment of particular nations or specific political trends, but the pointing out of the nearness of the final accomplishment of God's gracious purposes, the preparation of a people from all nations and classes of earth, and the unfolding of the basic principles on which the final struggle of the great controversy between right and wrong will be waged.
It is clear from the unmistakable bold outlines of history contained in the prophecies of the Bible that we have reached the period to which all the great seers pointed. But there is little, if anything, to warrant the many conflicting and confusing attempts that have been and are being made to indicate the particular part individual nations or groups may play before the climax is reached. The issues God's people are to face are quite plainly revealed, and are very similar to those faced in preceding ages, except that they are now more fully developed. However, there is little to suggest that this people is called upon to denounce nations, races, or classes, as such, or to take sides in the controversies that are being waged between them.
Indiscretions Will Jeopardize
There is a marked absence of anything of this nature in the records of the teaching and preaching of Him who is our example, and who Himself did not bring "railing accusation" against even the archenemy of all truth. It is also very noticeable that the writings of the Spirit of prophecy are almost entirely free from speculation as to the part individual nations, as such, or political organizations and movements will play in the closing phases of world history. Why should we feel called or qualified to go beyond these writings in assuming the role of prognosticator ? Why should we engage in the judging of motives of national leaders and forces at work, or make applications of predictive prophecies which the changes of a single day might well reveal to have been unwarranted? Such attempts at analysis reveal superficial observation and lack of understanding of present-day problems, and at times needlessly stir up class hatreds and racial prejudices, with which the world is overburdened already. In the present state of "nerves" in the world, such endeavors might easily become the means of bringing serious consequences to our mission work, if not indeed, actual persecution to our workers.
The Bible records instances in which devout men, in order to be true to their God, were brought into conflict with civil ordinances, as in the case of Daniel and his three companions. But do we read of one instance where these or any others felt called to denounce the civil power or the particular system or type of government under which they lived? Squarely and without shadow of compromise, they met the issues touching their individual experiences, because principle was at stake. But where is any record of their entering into controversies in behalf of or against any particular political faction or type of government?
After the test that came to the three Hebrew children, we still find Jeremiah and Ezekiel enjoining upon their people submission to that same Babylonian government. Even in the days of a dictatorial and persecuting Rome, Paul was inspired to open his treatise on "subjection to the higher powers." Romans 13. The injunction of our Lord, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's," calls for due honor to those who rule in all lands and all ages, and does not single out any particular form or system of government.
Better Way of Exposition
As contrasted with the type of interpretation mentioned at the outset, there is a better way of expounding the prophetic Scriptures. It may not appeal to those who desire to pose as being well read; it may not hold an audience in a state of thrill; but it avoids the many dangers and follies against which we need to be on guard, and leaves room for exposition of the eternal principles of saving truth, without which the understanding of all the mysteries of these strange times will result in no real good. With regard to some of the unfulfilled prophecies, we can well afford to wait and let time fill in the details; and when they come to pass we will then know their full meaning.
We do know that the day of redemption is near at hand. The prophetic Word indicates that the final developments are just upon us and that they will be rapid ones. Shall we not give ourselves to a more earnest study of the personal experience we need in order to be able to stand in these perilous times, and to help others into a living experience and a complete surrender to the One who rules the destinies of the world.
