Five hundred years ago this year, a few brave men defied the authorities and began to print a translation of the New Testament into English. William Tyndale had just finished his translation from the Greek text but having been banned from publishing it in England, he had moved to Europe to publish it and continue his translation work.
The recent election of Donald Trump to a second term as president of the United States has shocked and dismayed many throughout the world. However, we Christadelphians are reminded of the principle we have mentioned before on this website: that God is in control of world events and will one day replace the kingdom of men with the kingdom of God. This is clear from numerous Bible passages, especially those in the book of Daniel.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has just held an election to decide who governs this country. The incoming government has inherited a wide range of problems and challenges, and includes a significant number of newcomers, following multiple withdrawals of candidacy of existing members.
There may be changes ahead in the United States of America, which could see a drastic reversal of key policies.
Should we be surprised when rulership changes in ways we do not expect and which we cannot predict?
Current hostilities should not surprise Bible believers, for the attitudes and actions of Israel’s hostile neighbours were foretold many years ago. If you compare a map showing Israel’s enemies in Psalm 83 with a modern map of the same area, you will see a remarkable correspondence with the nations seeking Israel’s hurt and destruction.
Psalm 83 begins
Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God. For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
Around 2,800 years ago there was a drought in Israel lasting 3½ years, brought about because of Israel’s disobedience of God’s laws. The leading example of the nation's wickedness was their King, Ahab, so, Elijah the Prophet strode into his palace, announced the coming drought, and strode out again.
…Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him. 1 Kings 16:33
And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. 1 Kings 17:1
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