The European Union in Prophecy
The same argument eighteen hundred years ago was brought against Christ by the " rulers of the people." " It is expedient for us," said the wily Caiaphas, " that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not." John 11:50. This argument will appear conclusive; and a decree will finally be issued against those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, denouncing them as deserving of the severest punishment and giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death. Romanism in the Old World and apostate Protestantism in the New will pursue a similar course toward those who honour all the divine precepts. The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress described by the prophet as the time of Jacob ' s trouble.
" Thus saith the Lord: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.... All faces are turned into paleness. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob ' s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it." Jeremiah 30:5-7. Jacob ' s night of anguish, when he wrestled in prayer for deliverance from the hand of Esau( Genesis 32:24-30), represents the experience of God ' s people in the time of trouble. Because of the deception practiced to secure his father ' s blessing, intended for Esau, Jacob had fled for his life, alarmed by his brother ' s deadly threats. After remaining for many years an exile, he had set out, at God ' s command, to return with his wives and children, his flocks and herds, to his native country.
On reaching the borders of the land, he was filled with terror by the tidings of Esau ' s approach at the head of a band of warriors, doubtless bent upon revenge. Jacob ' s company, unarmed and defenseless, seemed about to fall helpless victims of violence and slaughter. And to the burden of anxiety and fear was added the crushing weight of self-reproach, for it was his own sin that had brought this danger. His only hope was in the mercy of God; his only defense must be prayer. Yet he leaves nothing undone on his own part to atone for the wrong to his brother and to avert the threatened danger. So should the followers of Christ, as they approach the time of trouble, make every exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people, to disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of conscience.
Having sent his family away, that they may not witness his distress, Jacob remains alone to intercede with God. He confesses his sin and gratefully acknowledges the mercy of God toward him while with deep humiliation he pleads the covenant
491