The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Página 504

The European Union in Prophecy
wrestling with God. Their countenances express their internal struggle. Paleness sits
upon every face. Yet they cease not their earnest intercession.
Could men see with heavenly vision, they would behold companies of angels that
excel in strength stationed about those who have kept the word of Christ's patience.
With sympathizing tenderness, angels have witnessed their distress and have heard
their prayers. They are waiting the word of their Commander to snatch them from
their peril. But they must wait yet a little longer. The people of God must drink of
the cup and be baptized with the baptism. The very delay, so painful to them, is the
best answer to their petitions. As they endeavour to wait trustingly for the Lord to
work they are led to exercise faith, hope, and patience, which have been too little
exercised during their religious experience. Yet for the elect's sake the time of trouble
will be shortened. "Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto
Him? . . . I tell you that He will avenge them speedily." Luke 18:7, 8. The end will
come more quickly than men expect. The wheat will be gathered and bound in sheaves
for the garner of God; the tares will be bound as fagots for the fires of destruction.
The heavenly sentinels, faithful to their trust, continue their watch. Though a
general decree has fixed the time when commandment keepers may be put to death,
their enemies will in some cases anticipate the decree, and before the time specified,
will endeavour to take their lives. But none can pass the mighty guardians stationed
about every faithful soul. Some are assailed in their flight from the cities and villages;
but the swords raised against them break and fall powerless as a straw. Others are
defended by angels in the form of men of war.
In all ages, God has wrought through holy angels for the succor and deliverance
of His people. Celestial beings have taken an active part in the affairs of men. They
have appeared clothed in garments that shone as the lightning; they have come as
men in the garb of wayfarers. Angels have appeared in human form to men of God.
They have rested, as if weary, under the oaks at noon. They have accepted the
hospitalities of human homes. They have acted as guides to benighted travelers. They
have, with their own hands, kindled the fires at the altar. They have opened prison
doors and set free the servants of the Lord. Clothed with the panoply of heaven, they
came to roll away the stone from the Saviour's tomb.
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