The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Seite 248

The European Union in Prophecy
land of the heathen also were those that looked for Him; they were wise men, rich and
noble, the philosophers of the East. Students of nature, the Magi had seen God in His
handiwork. From the Hebrew Scriptures they had learned of the Star to arise out of
Jacob, and with eager desire they awaited His coming, who should be not only the
"Consolation of Israel," but a "Light to lighten the Gentiles," and "for salvation unto
the ends of the earth." Luke 2:25, 32; Acts 13:47. They were seekers for light, and light
from the throne of God illumined the path for their feet. While the priests and rabbis
of Jerusalem, the appointed guardians and expounders of the truth, were shrouded in
darkness, the Heaven-sent star guided these Gentile strangers to the birthplace of the
newborn King.
It is "unto them that look for Him" that Christ is to "appear the second time
without sin unto salvation." Hebrews 9:28. Like the tidings of the Saviour's birth, the
message of the second advent was not committed to the religious leaders of the people.
They had failed to preserve their connection with God, and had refused light from
heaven; therefore they were not of the number described by the apostle Paul: "But ye,
brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all
the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of
darkness." 1 Thessalonians 5:4, 5.
The watchmen upon the walls of Zion should have been the first to catch the
tidings of the Saviour's advent, the first to lift their voices to proclaim Him near, the
first to warn the people to prepare for His coming. But they were at ease, dreaming
of peace and safety, while the people were asleep in their sins. Jesus saw His church,
like the barren fig tree, covered with pretentious leaves, yet destitute of precious fruit.
There was a boastful observance of the forms of religion, while the spirit of true
humility, penitence, and faith-which alone could render the service acceptable to God-
-was lacking. Instead of the graces of the Spirit there were manifested pride,
formalism, vainglory, selfishness, oppression. A backsliding church closed their eyes
to the signs of the times. God did not forsake them, or suffer His faithfulness to fail;
but they departed from Him, and separated themselves from His love. As they refused
to comply with the conditions, His promises were not fulfilled to them.
Such is the sure result of neglect to appreciate and improve the light and
privileges which God bestows. Unless the church will follow on in His opening
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