| Highlights of Dawn | November 1952 |
This Transition Period
“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever.” —Revelation 11:15
THE world today is passing through a period of chaos and distress the like of which is unknown in the annals of history. For nearly forty years there has been what might properly be called one enduring crisis, marked by distress and uncertainty, and with the hearts of the people becoming increasingly filled with fear as they look ahead to conditions still worse which they see coming upon the earth. The wisest of philosophers, statesmen, politicians, and would-be rulers, have failed to produce a solution for the basic problems of the nations. Now, after a generation of futile effort to find a way of peace and security, the nations are divided into two armed camps, with the free world feverishly trying to keep the peace by frightening the other side with what is hoped to be a superior display of armed might.
The Word of God alone explains the basic cause of this hectic state of world affairs, and alone points out the final outcome. This outcome will be glorious. That is why it is a joy to discuss the prophecies relating thereto. Briefly stated, and paradoxical though it may seem, this “time of trouble” in which we are living is prophetically styled “the day of the Lord.” Sometimes it is also called “the last days.” It is not the “last days” of time, but of an evil social order, a social order which is being destroyed as a result of divine intervention in the affairs of men. It is for this reason that the prophecies speak of this period as the Lord’s day.
Our text gives us a clue concerning the divine relationship to the events of this day. The Greek word here translated “kingdoms” literally means royalty, or sovereignty, and what the text really tells us is that this transition period is one in which the rulership of the world is transferred from Satan, through his human agencies, to the “Lord” and “his Christ”; that is, to Jesus and his church. Looking back upon these events, from a time still future, the “four and twenty elders” declare, “We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou has taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations [as a result of this] were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.”—Rev. 11:17,18
From this passage it becomes clear that one of the first things to expect when the rulership of the earth is taken over by the “King of kings” is that the nations would become “angry” and that divine wrath would be poured out upon them. Not until this work is finished should we expect to see manifested the life-giving blessings of Christ’s kingdom so lavishly promised throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Only then will the dead be judged and the promised rewards of life be administered.
A “Mountain” That Will Fill the Earth
One of the symbolic descriptions of the Lord’s kingdom is given to us in the second chapter of the prophecy of Daniel. There it is likened first of all to a “stone” which smites a human-like image on its feet, causing it to fall, and then grinding it to powder. After this, the stone grows until it becomes a great mountain which fills the whole earth. Daniel interprets this mountain to picture the Lord’s dominion over the earth, a dominion which will not be given to others but will continue to exercise its rulership “forever and ever,” even as our text declares.—Dan. 2:44
To Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, Daniel said, “The God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.” (Dan. 2:37) The prophecy shows that his “kingdom” would be passed on successively to the empires of Medo-Persia, Greece, and then Rome, as pictured by the silver, brass, and iron of the image. Next was to come disintegration as shown by the admixture of “miry clay” with the iron of the feet and toes of the image. Then was to occur the smiting by the “stone,” and the taking over of world rulership by the Lord. Clearly indicated in this transfer of sovereignty is the fact of trouble, distress, chaos, and destruction. It is similar to the description given us in Revelation 11:17,18, where the nations are said to become angry, and the Lord’s wrath is poured out upon them.
“Like a Potter’s Vessel”
The prophecy of the 2nd Psalm in a general way gives us the same information. In the opening verses we are told of nations assembling and rulers taking counsel together, “against the Lord.” It is against the Lord, because the time has come for him to be recognized as the Ruler of earth, and these Gentile kingdoms feverishly assemble and take counsel together in an effort to maintain their own grasp of world dominion. But “he that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh,” the text reads, and the Lord “shall have them in derision.”
The prophet declares that the Lord would speak to the nations in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure, for, as the next verse reads concerning Jehovah, “I have set my King upon my holy hill of Zion.” To his King Jehovah says, “Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen [Gentiles] for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”—Ps. 2:6,8-10
Mount Zion of Jerusalem is used in the prophecies to symbolize the spiritual phase of Christ’s kingdom. The statement that Jehovah has set his King upon Mount Zion suggests that he has “taken unto himself his great power to reign.” Thus, the “time of trouble” which destroys the “present evil world” is brought prophetically within the period of the reign of Christ, and does not precede it. It is after the King is set, or established, upon the symbolic holy hill of Zion, that the nations are dashed to pieces like a potter’s vessel.
Rulership and Judgment
This day of the Lord’s vengeance upon the nations is also a time of judgment upon them. But there is a vast difference between national judgment and individual judgment, just as we have seen that there is a great difference between Christ’s reign over the kingdoms of this world for the purpose of destroying them, and his later rulership over the individual hearts and lives of mankind for the purpose of restoring them to life. There is to be a future judgment day for the people, when, through the mediatorial rulership of Christ, the human race as individuals will be reconciled to God, resulting in God’s will being done in earth even as it is now done in heaven.
Nevertheless, the judgment of God upon nations, resulting in their destruction by the “King” whom he has “set” upon his holy hill of Zion, is a very important part of the millennial age work. Paul wrote that Christ must reign until he has put all enemies under his feet, and that the last enemy to be destroyed is death. In this prophecy the purpose of the reign of Christ is shown to be the destruction of enemies—of God and of man. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. But, as the prophecies already quoted reveal, the first enemies to be destroyed are the kingdoms of this world, hence this work of destruction properly and scripturally is seen to take place within the period of the kingdom reign.
Constructive Kingdom Work
Not only is it true that the kingdom work of destroying this present evil world is now going on, but there is also evidence to be found of constructive kingdom work. A very definite sign of this has been, and continues to be, the experiences of the Jewish people. Prior to their loss of national independence in 606 B.C., when their last king, Zedekiah, was overthrown and taken captive to Babylon, God ruled over the nation representatively through their successive kings. But this arrangement came to an end when, through the Prophet Ezekiel God said, “Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: … and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him.”—Ezek. 21:25-27
It was approximately at this same time that the Lord, through the Prophet Daniel, said to Nebuchadnezzar, “The God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom.” (Dan. 2:37) As Ezekiel explained to Zedekiah, this right to rule which was given to Babylon, and passed on successively to Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, was not the “same” as the divine rulership over Israel. It was merely a grant of power to keep the world from degenerating into utter chaos before the time came for Christ to set up his kingdom. At that time, however, it did mean a fairly firm establishment of Gentile authority, and the waning of Jewish national existence.
But this situation was not to continue forever—only until “he come whose right it is.” Meanwhile the Jewish nation was scattered among all the other nations, and in their Diaspora suffered many long centuries of persecution. Through his prophets, God caused many promises to be recorded, giving assurance that his people Israel would be regathered and returned to the land which he gave to their fathers.
These promises make it plain that this regathering would occur in the “latter days,” and when there would be upon Gentile nations a “time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation.” When God withdrew his rulership over Israel, and granted a lease of power to a certain succession of Gentile nations, it meant their establishment, and the dispersion of Israel. But now the scene is reversed. The Gentile nations are being destroyed, while the Israelites are being regathered and re-established in their own land.
This becomes even more significant in the light of the prophecy of Ezekiel 20:33-38. Here is one of the Lord’s wonderful promises that the Israelites would be restored to their own land. Verse 33 reads, “As I live, saith the Lord God, surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule [Hebrew, “reign”] over you.” The remainder of the prophecy reveals that the purpose of this furious reign of the Lord over his people is to bring them out of the lands wherein they had been scattered, and to restore them to their own land.
All are aware of the severe troubles which came upon the Jews in Europe and in other places, and how considerably it contributed to their great desire, yea, determination to go to Palestine. And the enlightening feature of this prophecy is that the Lord identifies this trouble as being associated with his reign over them! When God withdrew his rulership over Israel at the time Zedekiah was overthrown, the prophet said, “It shall be no more, until he come whose right it is.” Now that the Lord speaks of ruling over his people again, and thereby restoring them to the Promised Land, it means two things—first, that he has come “whose right it is” to exercise divine rulership once more over Israel, and second, that his rulership has actually begun. In ancient times, God ruled over Israel through David, Solomon, and their other kings, but now it is through Christ, the “King of kings, and Lord of lords.”—Rev. 19:16
This is not mere philosophy, or wishful thinking. It is a fact clearly set forth in prophecy and definitely substantiated by what we have seen occurring in the experiences of the Israelites these many years. But again let us be sure to differentiate between the reign of Christ over the nations, and his yet future reign over individuals. His present rulership over the Gentile nations is, as we have seen, not to reform them, but to dash them to pieces “as a potter’s vessel.” This is being done, although the nations do not yet know the real cause of their confusion and distress.
The present rulership of Christ over the Jewish nation is not to destroy, but to restore. This also is being accomplished while the nation itself, like the Gentile nations, does not know that there is a divine hand shaping its destiny. Christ’s rulership over their individual hearts has not yet begun. The people of Israel are being established in the Land of Promise in order that they might be there to be the first with whom the Lord will make his “new covenant.” (Jer. 31:31) That will be an individual matter when, as individuals, they will be enlightened and brought into that new covenant by means of the mediatorial rulership of Christ.
“This Honor Have All His Saints”
One of the important prophecies of the Bible related to the time when the long-promised kingdom of Christ is being established is Psalm 149:5-9. It reads, “Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; to execute vengeance upon the heathen [Gentiles], and punishments upon the people; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute upon them the judgments written: this honor have all his saints.”
There are many promises in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, assuring us that the true followers of the Master during the Gospel age will, in the first resurrection, be rewarded with the privilege and honor of reigning with him during the thousand years of his kingdom. Jesus himself said, “He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.” (Rev. 2:26,27) Notice the statement, “even as I received of my Father.” Jesus was promised that he would have power over the nations, and would dash the kingdoms to pieces like a potter’s vessel. (See Psalm 2) He, in turn, promised that his church would share with him in this work.
This brings up a very important consideration in connection with what the Lord is accomplishing during the present transition period in which we are living. If the overthrow and destruction of the kingdoms of this world are manifestations of his kingdom authority and power already being exercised, how can it be true that his people still in the flesh are sharing with him in this work? Surely we are not now exercising power over the nations! Would this, then, indicate that there is some other explanation for the destruction of the present social order as we are witnessing it, other than the fact that the kingdom authority of Christ over the world has already begun, or would it indicate that the Gospel age church is complete, with all its members glorified with Jesus in the spirit realm?
We believe that there is no difficulty in recognizing the prophetic explanation of what is now occurring among the nations; namely, that the King, Christ Jesus, invisibly present, is dashing them to pieces like a potter’s vessel, and that this is being done while some of his prospective joint-heirs in the kingdom are still in the flesh. Here again we should remember that the former sovereignty of the world, exercised by Satan, is being overthrown, and the rulership of Christ established, during a transition period. Satan’s rulership does not come to an end and his power is not completely abolished at the midnight stroke of the clock, with Christ’s kingdom coming fully into power within one minute thereafter.
Even with respect to the church of Christ in this period, the Scriptures show a transition, in that not all are exalted to the divine nature with Jesus at one time. Speaking of the time of our Lord’s return and the beginning of his second presence, the Apostle Paul wrote that “the dead in Christ shall rise first.” Then he speaks of those who are still alive, and who “remain.” He says that these also will be “caught up,” that is, exalted, to meet the Lord in the “air” [the spiritual phase of the kingdom], that ultimately they might all be together with him.—I Thess. 4:16,17
This group of the Lord’s followers who are “alive and remain” in the flesh for a time after his return are again spoken of in Revelation 14:13, where we read, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” These “dead which die in the Lord” are undoubtedly the last members of the body of Christ to make their calling and election sure to a position of joint-heirship with him in his kingdom. When they finish their course they do not sleep in death as did the saints throughout the age, but “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” are changed to “glory and honor and immortality.”—I Cor. 15:52; Rom. 2:7
It says of these that while they rest from their labors, “their works do follow them.” All the glorified saints are engaged in kingdom work. This is the purpose of their glorification and exaltation to the divine nature. And here is a group which apparently must have been doing kingdom work even before they finished their course in death, for their occupation remains the same thereafter—“their works do follow them.” It is this class that is referred to in Isaiah 52:7, which reads, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”
Yes, our God does reign! Once he reigned over Israel through David and Solomon, but now over all nations through his Anointed, Christ Jesus and his joint-heirs. Those already exalted to the divine nature with the Messiah are sharing with him in directing the work of bringing the “present evil world” to an end, while those still this side of the veil are proclaiming the kingdom message and thereby bearing witness to all who will hear as to the meaning of present world events. From the divine standpoint, this is kingdom work just as much as that which is being done by the saints beyond the veil.
It is a definite principle with God that every great change of dispensation which affects the people of the world shall be announced and explained by his servants. Noah, for example, was used by the Lord to tell the people of his day about the flood, and what it would mean to them. And now that we are living through this all-important transition period, in which the long-promised kingdom of Christ is taking control of earth’s affairs, it is the privilege of the “feet of him” to proclaim the glorious message, “Thy God reigneth!”
“I Have Put My Words in Thy Mouth”
God’s dealings with the Prophet Jeremiah illustrates the great importance he attaches to the faithful proclamation of his Word. Jeremiah wrote, “And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” (Jer. 1:9,10) This was a remarkable commission. Actually, of course, Jeremiah did not turn a hand to destroy nations and kingdoms, nor “to root out, and to pull down.” All that he did was to declare the Lord’s word concerning it. He tried to refrain from doing even this, but finally discovered that the “word” was like a fire shut up within his heart, and he was forced to proclaim it.—Jer. 20:9
The context reveals that the actual work of destruction outlined in this commission was accomplished by an “evil,” in the form of a “seething pot,” which came out of the “north.” (Jer. 1:13-16) This was the agency used by the Lord to accomplish his purpose. However, because Jeremiah was God’s consecrated servant, anointed to proclaim the truth concerning the meaning of events, he was given the credit for accomplishing the rooting up and pulling down of the nations and kingdoms.
We think it reasonable to consider Jeremiah as being illustrative of God’s people today—this day when, in a far larger sense, a great evil is coming out of the “north” and is being used by the Lord to help accomplish the destruction of the “present evil world.” God’s consecrated people today should have no part or lot in what is taking place, but the Lord has given us his Word to proclaim concerning it, and if we are faithful in doing so, he reckons us as participating in the work of the kingdom.
It is this great privilege that is brought to our attention in the 149th Psalm, already quoted. Here the Lord’s people during this transition period are represented as having the high-sounding praises of God upon their lips. They are announcing the Gospel of the kingdom. They are declaring the “day of vengeance of our God,” which is manifested in “binding their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron.” (Isa. 61:2) Those beyond the veil are having an actual part in this kingdom work of destroying Satan’s empire, but God counts those on this side of the veil who are faithfully proclaiming the truth as also participating in it. It is because these are thus engaged that their works are said to “follow them” when they pass beyond the veil.
This present work of the kingdom is not one of giving health and life to the people. This must wait until the kingdoms of this world are completely destroyed. By then, every member of the kingdom class now doing kingdom work this side the veil will have proved faithful and will have passed over to be with the Lord, “in the air.” Then the merit of the blood of Christ will be available to commence the restoration work of the kingdom, when both Jews and Gentiles, individually, will be given the opportunity to accept the provisions of divine grace, obey the laws of the new kingdom, and progress over the “highway” to life everlasting.
Summing up, then, the situation seems to be this: The King has returned. The first work of the kingdom is the destruction of the present evil world. This work is now in progress. “All his saints” are honored with the privilege of participating in this, some on the other side of the veil and glorified with Christ, and the others, in that the Lord has put his words upon their lips, to proclaim the “day of vengeance.” When this phase of the kingdom work is complete, we can look for a speedy manifestation of the mediatorial work of the kingdom, which will provide opportunity for all mankind to receive the life-giving blessing of the reign of Christ.
Meantime the preparations for this are in progress, as seen in the experiences of the Jewish people. They are being restored to the land of promise, which is also a part of the kingdom work, for God wants them there in order that they might be the first to whom the blessings of the kingdom will be offered. It is also our privilege to proclaim the Word of God concerning this phase of present kingdom work.
The Scriptures emphasize that the entire work of the kingdom is accomplished within a thousand-year period of time, and that all the saints reign with Christ during this thousand years. If we view the matter from God’s standpoint, recognizing that the announcing of the kingdom is considered by him a very vital part of kingdom work, we will have no difficulty in understanding how the entire church does share with Jesus in the work of the thousand years.
And what a glorious privilege it is to be living at the present time, when “our King is marching on.” Let us continue to march on with him, holding high the kingdom banner of truth. It is a great honor indeed to be entrusted with the sacred Word of God. Let us not keep it concealed under a bushel, or hidden in our hearts. Let us, rather, proclaim it from the housetops, and continue faithfully to announce, far and wide, “Thy God reigneth!”
In the great economy of God, he has designed that in giving the “feet” members of the body of Christ this glorious part in the work of the kingdom, they may also thereby prove their worthiness of continuing in the kingdom work beyond the veil—having their “works follow them”—by being faithful now to the commission given them by the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Let us, then, be faithful—faithful unto death!
Undoubtedly the mediatorial work of the kingdom is near, although we should not be surprised that already nearly eighty years of the Millennium has been utilized in the preparation and destruction of the various elements of “this world.” Isaiah 65:20 indicates that individually, the world will be given a hundred years of trial. It should not be surprising that national judgment leading to national destruction has required almost an equal length of time. And we think there many evidences to indicate that long before the first hundred years of the Millennium will have passed, this destructive phase of the judgment and kingdom work will be finished, and the promised blessings of life will have begun to flow out to the people. So let us be faithful now, that we may be worthy to share in that glorious future work of restoring all the families of the earth.