Overview of the Day of Jehovah

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Short Summary
The discourse outlines the “day of Jehovah” as a period of intense trouble and transformation during which God’s kingdom under Christ is established, replacing the current corrupt world order. This time involves both destruction of the old systems and preparation for a future era of righteousness and blessing, emphasizing Christ’s humility and obedience as the model for believers. Despite the turmoil, the ultimate purpose is the refining and restoration of mankind, with encouragement for faithful endurance and trust in God’s just and loving plan.

Long Summary
Detailed Summary of the Discourse on the Day of Jehovah

Introduction and Definition
– The “Day of Jehovah” refers to the period when God’s Kingdom, under Christ’s rulership, is gradually established on Earth while earthly kingdoms decline and Satan’s influence is restrained.
– This era is characterized by intense trouble, distress, and perplexity for mankind, surpassing all prior upheavals (Daniel 12:1, Matthew 24).
– Jehovah is sovereign over this time, with Christ acting as His representative (1 Corinthians 8:6):
*”But to us there is but one God, the Father… and one Lord Jesus Christ…”*.

Christ’s Role in the Day of Jehovah
– Christ operates not primarily as a Prince of Peace initially but as Jehovah’s general subduing opposition.
– As false systems collapse, Christ’s kingdom standards rise until He is universally acknowledged as King of kings.
– Biblical prophecy affirms this:
– Psalms 2:8 – *”I, Jehovah, will give thee the Gentiles for thine inheritance…”*
– Daniel 2:44 – *”In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a Kingdom…”*
– Daniel 7:9, 13-14, 22, 27 – visions of the Son of Man given dominion over all kingdoms.
– 1 Corinthians 15:28 – Christ will ultimately be subject to the Father after completing His reign.
– Matthew 28:18 – *”All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”*
– Luke 19:12 – Christ’s kingdom comes in God’s due time.

The Nature and Character of Christ as Ruler
– Christ is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing due to His obedience and sacrifice (Revelation 5:12).
– Philippians 2:5-11 outlines Christ’s humility and exaltation:
*”Who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing… humbled himself and became obedient to death…”*
– Contrasted with Satan’s pride and usurpation (Isaiah 14:12-15).
– Believers are encouraged to emulate Christ’s humility and service.

Purpose of the Day of Jehovah
– Malachi 4:1 describes it as a refining and consuming fire that destroys the wicked and proud.
– Hebrews 12:26-29 reveals God shaking and removing what can be shaken so that only the unshakable remains, emphasizing God’s consuming nature as a purifying fire.
– Zephaniah 3:8-9 speaks of God gathering nations for judgment but ultimately restoring a pure language and unified service.
– Isaiah 24:19-21 portrays Earth’s upheaval—broken, dissolved, reeling like a drunkard due to heavy transgression.
– Zephaniah 1:14-18 describes the day as a time of wrath, distress, darkness, and destruction where no wealth can deliver from God’s jealousy.

The Process and Timeline
– The day is not instantaneous but comes in spasms like labor pains.
– Daniel 12:1, Daniel 11:40, Matthew 24:21-22 identify it as a “time of trouble” that will be cut short to preserve humanity.
– The day began circa 1874 (end of 6000 years) with Christ’s invisible return, extending through key prophetic time frames:
– 1799-1914 marked as the “Day of Preparation,” a period of enlightenment, increased knowledge, inventions, and social upheaval leading to the overthrow of old systems (Daniel 12:4, Daniel 2:44).
– Events such as the French Revolution exemplify this preparatory struggle between light and darkness.
– The rise of Bible Societies (early 1800s) helped disseminate Scripture, breaking religious and political bondage.

Biblical Descriptions of Tumult and Final Judgment
– Ezekiel 38:19-23 depicts a great shaking of the earth and destruction of opposing forces, leading to God’s self-magnification.
– 2 Peter 3:10-13 warns that the day will come unexpectedly like a thief, dissolving current heavens and earth by fire, ushering in new heavens and a new earth of righteousness.
– Jeremiah 1:10 assigns Christ the task to root out, pull down, destroy, throw down, build, and plant during this period.

Lessons from History and Contemporary Application
– The French Revolution symbolizes the chaotic clash of liberty and oppression, light and darkness, wisdom and foolishness—paralleling our times.
– The world learns hard lessons about selfishness, contentment, and the value of having “enough” rather than excess.
– Psalms 119:67, 71 express the benefit of affliction in learning God’s statutes.
– Believers are encouraged to seek righteousness and meekness (Zephaniah 2:3) to be protected during the Lord’s anger.

Role and Attitude of God’s People
– They should avoid involvement in worldly politics and class struggles, recognizing that it is the Lord’s battle (Psalm 46:10 paraphrased – “Be still, and know that I am God”).
– Their mission is to proclaim the heavenly kingdom as the only remedy and hope for all.
– They must not obstruct Jehovah’s work (“not stand in the way of Jehovah’s chariot”) lest they be harmed.
– Malachi 3:16-17 assures that those who fear the Lord and think upon His name will be remembered and spared like a father spares his son.

Comfort in the Midst of Trials
– The fiery furnace experience of the Hebrew boys is likened to the present time, with the Lord walking among believers, burning away what binds them without harm.
– Brother Kramer’s reflection emphasizes God’s balanced attributes of justice, power, love, and compassion.
– Psalm 145 praises God’s goodness, tender mercies, and care for all creation, even while executing justice on the wicked.
– Ezekiel 18:23 reveals God’s desire not for the wicked to perish but to turn and live, highlighting His loving heart.

Conclusion and Encouragement
– The discourse closes encouraging faithfulness, humility, and trust in God’s plan amid the tumultuous times.
– Believers are reminded to fix their eyes on Jesus, not on the surrounding troubles, to maintain their faith and courage.

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Key Bible Verses Cited:
– Daniel 12:1 – A time of unprecedented trouble and eventual deliverance for God’s people.
– Matthew 24:21-22 – Great tribulation but with divine interruption to preserve life.
– 1 Corinthians 8:6 – Affirmation of one God and one Lord Jesus Christ.
– Psalms 2:8-9 – God giving Christ dominion and power.
– Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:9,13-14,22,27 – Prophecies of God establishing an eternal kingdom.
– 1 Corinthians 15:28 – Christ’s reign and submission to the Father.
– Luke 19:12 – Christ’s kingdom coming in God’s appointed time.
– Revelation 5:12 – Worthiness of the Lamb to receive power and honor.
– Philippians 2:5-11 – Christ’s humility and exaltation.
– Isaiah 14:12-15 – Satan’s pride and fall.
– Malachi 4:1 – Day of burning for the proud and wicked.
– Hebrews 12:26-29 – God shaking and purifying the earth and heaven.
– Zephaniah 3:8-9 – Gathering nations and purifying language for unified service.
– Isaiah 24:19-21 – Earth’s turmoil due to sin.
– Zephaniah 1:14-18 – Description of the day of the Lord’s wrath.
– Ezekiel 38:19-23 – Great shaking and God’s self-magnification.
– 2 Peter 3:10-13 – Day of the Lord as a thief, dissolving the heavens and earth, and new creation.
– Jeremiah 1:10 – Christ’s commission to destroy and build.
– Psalms 119:67, 71 – Affliction leads to learning God’s statutes.
– Zephaniah 2:3 – Seek the Lord, righteousness, and meekness for protection.
– Malachi 3:16-17 – God remembers and spares those who fear Him.
– Ezekiel 18:23 – God desires repentance rather than destruction.

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This discourse provides a comprehensive biblical overview of the Day of Jehovah, highlighting its nature as a time of intense upheaval designed by God to destroy evil and establish Christ’s righteous kingdom, while also underscoring the love, justice, and mercy of God throughout this transformative process.

Transcript

Well, as has been announced, the topic to consider for the hour is the overview of the day of Jehovah, and it’s based on the chapter of the first volume, and the first and second paragraphs of that chapter pretty much summarize the whole lesson, and we’ll consider many points of the chapter and we’ll go from there. Okay, beginning the quote on page 307 the day of Jehovah is the name of that period of time in which God’s kingdom under Christ is to be gradually set up in the earth, while the kingdoms of this world are passing away, and Satan’s power and influence over men are being bound. Reminds us of the earlier discussion of the day. It is everywhere described as a dark day of intense trouble and distress and perplexity upon mankind and what wonder that a revolution of such proportions, and necessitating such great changes should cause trouble. Small revolutions have caused trouble in every age, and this, so much greater than any previous revolution, is to be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation no, nor ever shall be and Daniel 12:1 and Matthew 24 are cited there and the reminds us of, before we read the second paragraph, the principle that Jehovah is the one in charge at this time and yet first Corinthians 8:6 8:6 of 1 Corinthians but to us there is but one God, the Father of whom are all things, and we by him, and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him and the second paragraph goes on to expand on that.

It is called the day of Jehovah, because though Christ, with royal title and power, will be present as Jehovah’s representative, taking charge of all the affairs during this day of trouble, it is more as the general of Jehovah subduing all things, than as the Prince of Peace blessing all. Meantime, as false and imperfect views and systems fall, the standard of the new king will rise, and eventually he shall be recognized and owned by all as King of kings. It is kind of goes along with the sentiments of the opening hymn. It Thus it is presented by the prophets as Jehovah’s work to set up Christ’s dominion. I, Jehovah speaking, will give thee the Gentiles for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession, Psalms 2:8 in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a Kingdom, Daniel 2:44, which was mentioned earlier today the ancient of days did sit, and there was brought before him one like unto a son of man and there was given him a dominion that all kingdoms should serve and obey him.

Daniel 9 Excuse me, Daniel 7 verses 9, 13, 14, 22 and 27. Added to these is Paul’s statement that when Christ shall accomplish the object of his reign, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him, the Father that put all things under him, Jesus. First Corinthians 15:28 we have a confirmation of Jesus exaltation after his resurrection Matthew 28, 18, 18:28 of Matthew and Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth but that all power is exercised in the Father’s due time and due methods, as Luke 19:12 tells us, Luke 19:12 he said, Therefore a certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return so all things in due time in the heavenly Father’s plans and purposes, and again that Psalms 2:8 that was cited in the paragraph ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of earth for thy possession, and the ninth verse follows on thou shalt break them with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel, especially applicable towards the foregoing part of his presence and his work.

And then the Daniel 9 context was cited in the paragraph. We’ll pass on reading that and begin with the vision that Jesus or the prophecy, rather probably, that Jesus gave Matthew 26:64 speaking to his audience, thou hast said, nevertheless, I say unto you, hereafter shall ye see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power and coming in the clouds of heaven, and how appropriate clouds are oftentimes shown as a symbol of tumult and commotion, and what a proper application this is to after he has received this kingdom and his return is not a time of sweetness and light for the world, although it’s a time of rich blessing, as earlier messages of the day have brought out.

The character of this most powerful, powerful ruler is interesting and beautiful to contemplate. The world has had many, many different rulers, kings, dictators of very some noble, some not so good.

But we have the text Revelation 5:12, 5:12 of Revelation, saying with a loud voice, worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing. He indeed learned obedience by the things that he suffered in preparation of his time to be the most powerful ruler, save the Father, that this universe has ever known, in charge of this planet and the Philippians 2:5 11 gives a beautiful character outline of the preparation for this all powerful rulership and encouragements for us to follow in the preparation for our future appointments in the kingdom. 2:5 of Philippians let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, yet did not meditate a usurpation to be equal with God. The King James is a little rough in this one, so I fixed it a bit according to the diaglot. Verse 6 who being in the form of God, thought it not, did not meditate I’ve said that already, excuse me, did not meditate and position to be equal with the Father, but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, was made unto the likeness of men and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Wherefore God hath also highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow things in heaven, things in earth, and things under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father, and just kind of take a moment to compare the adversary’s attitude. One picture is painted In Isaiah the 14th chapter, Isaiah 14, verses 12 to 15 and Satan had the exact opposite. He wanted that position of power. He wanted to be like the Most High, and he usurped it, beginning in the garden of Eden in a very unprofitable way.

I think we’re so wonderfully impressed with this comparison of our dear Savior, and how we should follow in his steps in humility and service, that we might be made fit under rulers in that kingdom.

So this day of Jehovah, what is the purpose of this day? Malachi 41 brings out a good thought 41 of Malachi for behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, and all that do wickedly shall be stuff, excuse me, shall be stubble, and the day that cometh upon them shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch, and so we see this as a very destructive of the old order times. Hebrews the 12th chapter, beginning in the 26th verse, again shows this very beautifully to us, this process.

Hebrews 12:26 whose voice then shook the earth, but now he hath promised, saying, yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven, and this word yet once more signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken as of those things that are made that those things which cannot be shaken may remain where for we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear for our God is a consuming fire indeed. The purpose is to remove those things of this present order present system that need to be shaken to be destroyed. But the things that are solid, right and proper, those things that cannot be shaken will remain foreign excuse me Zephaniah 3:8 the Lord’s purpose is to gather the nations that he might pour upon them all the fire of his indignation and and so forth. But the results are beautifully shown here.

It’s for a purpose that he might pour upon the people a pure language that they may all serve him with one shoulder to the wheel as the marginal translation brings out. So this period of woe and destruction is followed by a period of blessing and enlightenment.

It’s kind of a crude picture that came to mind, but we can picture the Heavenly Father directing the timing and the purposes and the planning of this situation and perhaps the the Lord Jesus sitting on a bulldozer, shoving the present things that need to be shaken removed off the edge of a cliff into the valley of Hinnom, so to speak that a very efficient destruction of the old and preparation for the new.

The as has been discussed that the present order is very shaky, very unworthy of extended life. It’s kind of like the phrase sin has come to the time of reaping and it’s been a very unworthy crop and not worthy to be saved.

The whole earth as Isaiah 24:19 21 brings out excuse me for the delay here. Isaiah 14 very apt picture. Verse 20 or chapter 24, verse 19 the earth is utterly broken down the earth is clean dissolved the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it, and it shall fall and not rise again and again. The the Scriptures descriptive of the rule of order of this day.

Men’s hearts are failing them for fear they keep putting patches on the old garment of the old systems and nothing works. Nothing. Mankind has had every system of government that can be imagined and lack of government at times and nothing works. With the exceeding sinfulness of sin blocking the way forward Another few scriptures Zephaniah 1:14 1:14 of Zephaniah Great is the day of the Lord it is near, and hasteth greatly even the Voice of the day of the Lord, the mighty man shall cry bitterly. That day is a wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities and against the high towers, I will bring distress upon men, that they may walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord and their blood shall be poured out as dust and their flesh as dung.

Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath. But the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy, or he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land. So all these things that can be shaken are being shaken and destroyed, and it hasn’t been an instantaneous process, has it? Like travail upon a woman with child, it’s come in spasms.

And again the purpose for all this destruction and mayhem and so forth is expressed well in the fuller scope of the work in Revelation 11:17 and onward, 11:17 of Revelation, saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God all Almighty, which art and wast and art to come, because they thou has taken to thee thy great power, and has reign, and the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants, the prophets, to the saints, and to them that fear thy name, great and small and great, and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. So there’s some very unsettling things mentioned, as well as some very beautiful things. Time of the resurrection of the sleeping saints from 1878 on forward, and the time when the prophets will be brought forth in a time proper when the church is complete.

And another couple of texts, Isaiah 13:11, showing a kind of a cause and effect here, 13:11 of Isaiah and I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible, and once mankind gets it in their head, then the 13th or the 12th verse will follow. Here I will make a man more precious than fine gold, even a man than the golden wedge of Oprah. So the results of mankind, once they learn the lessons and so forth, and the olds, systems and prejudices and so forth are destroyed, eventually man will be more precious than fine gold.

And a few texts that delve with the permission of evil. But I think they especially apply to this period too. Ecclesiastes 1:13 1:13 of Ecclesiastes and I gave my heart to seek and search out my wisdom concerning all the things that are done under heaven. This sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. Indeed, this time of the Lord’s anger will indeed strongly exercise mankind, and finally the light bulb will go on.

Isaiah 25:9 25:9 of Isaiah and it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God. We have waited for him, and he will save us. This is the Lord we have waited for.

How he’s really love this text. We have waited for him. We will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. The silver lining of this tumultuous time is the recognition of the Lord’s hand in the Earth, and two more texts, Psalms 119:67 and 119:72 I believe it is.

I didn’t cite this one very well. Oh yeah, here we go. 67 and 71 of Psalms 119 before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have I kept thy word. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes. So mankind will learn a lesson and have a choice to press ahead in a correct heart attitude when this difficult time is over.

And hopefully many will learn the lesson as this period progresses, even before the blessings might flow. So the time frame of this day of Jehovah, Daniel 12:1 was cited in the first paragraph. We read 12:1 of Daniel and at that time or during this time, time of the end that was brought out to our attention in Daniel 11 verse 40 Michael shall stand up the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people, and there shall be a time of trouble such as was never was since there was a nation even to that same time and at that time thy people shall be delivered everyone that shall be written in the book and Matthew 24, 21 and 22 are cited there all also a time of such great tribulation. If it weren’t cut short, there would no flesh be saved. But that’s not the purpose of this day of Jehovah to destroy all flesh.

It’s just to get rid of the present evil order and the exceeding sinfulness of sin.

The time of the Lord’s return and the time of this trouble we would begin with 1874 at the end of the 6000 years, including the the two years process there of time in the in the garden the times of restitution of all things and Daniel 12:4 sets the definition of the time also but thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book even to the time of the end many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased and as was brought out earlier Today, the Daniel 2:44 in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom it shall not be left to other people, but it that kingdom shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. So in the days of the last times of the Gentiles, this kingdom is being set up and again 1874 being the beginning of this day the end of the day was beginning in the beginning understood to be 1914 but we would think that to be when the church and the the merit of the blood is finished being used and that is does have no specific date but Ezekiel 38, I think, sets a good description of this time. 38:19 for in my jealousy, and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel, so that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth shall shake at my presence and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. Very pictorial description of the order of things now being completely brought down the creeping things on the earth, men that are on the face of the earth, mountains, the kingdoms, and so forth being thrown down the steep places, the restrictions and difficulties shall fall every wall or lines of demarcation shall fall to the ground and verse 21 follows and I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, all my mountains, saith the Lord God, every man’s sword shall be against his brother and I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood and I will reign upon him, and upon his bands, and upon many people that are with him and overflowing rain and great hailstones, fire and brimstone so again descriptive, a very tumultuous period of time, and as we had the time, we’d go into third further aspects of Ezekiel 38.

That’s when the final difficulties will occur with the nation of Israel, and God will step in and speaking of that verse, 23 capstones this beautifully Thus will I magnify myself and and sanctify myself and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the Lord. It brings tears of joy and goosebumps to really try to visualize this beautiful time when this final work of destruction will be over with, and the real work of opening that highway of holiness and building the character, rebuilding the character of mankind will begin.

The apostle Peter does another good description of this time. Second Peter 3. We’ll start with verse 10. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, spiritual control as it exists today and the elements shall melt with fervent heat the earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burned up and good words of wisdom in verse 11 for us, seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hastening unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens, being on fire, shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? And that mentions in the 13th verse a transition from this tumultuous time to the blessing period.

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. Amen. There’s a beautiful text that describes the multifaceted work of this time.

Jeremiah 1:10 Words we can apply to our Lord’s work and job description here. Jeremiah 1:10 See, I have set this day the Excuse me, let me start again. See, I have set this day this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, to pull down and to destroy, to throw down, to build and to plant. So what? What a job description is given here of our Lord, and if we’re faithful in the kingdom to be helpers.

There’s a We mentioned the beginning of this day in 19 or 1874, at the Lord’s return. But there’s a text that adds an added dimension to this, a maturing process. Name two, three. Name two three says the shield of his mighty man is made red the valiant men are in scarlet the chariots shall be with flaming torches, and here’s the phrase we’re pointing at in the day of his preparation and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken.

And the key thought here, I think, is the day of preparation, and page 23 of the third volume gives a description this time of the end. Well, we’ll read it. That’ll make more sense. Page 23, the first paragraph of volume 3, the time of the end, a period of 115 years from A.D.

1799 to A.D. 1914 is particularly marked in the Scriptures. The day of his preparation is another name given to the same period, because in it a general increase of knowledge, resulting in discoveries, inventions, etc. Paves the way to the coming millennium of favor. Right Making ready the mechanical devices which will economize labor and provide the world in general with time and conveniences, which under Christ’s reign of righteousness will be a blessing to all, and aid in filling the earth with the knowledge of the Lord.

And it is a day or period of preparation in another sense also. For by the increase of knowledge among the masses, giving to all the taste of liberty and luxury before Christ’s rule is established to rightly regulate the world. These blessings will regulate gradually become agencies of class power, and will result in the uprising of the masses and the overthrow of corporate trust, etc. Which will fall also also the present dominions of earth, civil and ecclesiastical, and thus the present is a day of preparation through such an overthrow, through the establishment of the universal dominion of the kingdom of God so long prayed for.

So even before the day of vengeance begins. The day of the Lord’s Preparation There is preparation for the day of the Lord’s presence and that began with 1914, the 1260 days that are brought out to our attention again in Daniel 11:40, and we can see that this period of time brought much enlightenment to the world. Many blessings began to be brought out of mechanical and educational nature and will continue to be brought out even through the the difficulties of the day, and as the paragraph brought out, many of these blessings, instead of being a help to mankind will be accelerate the disintegration of the day that we’re in.

Kind of like giving a car to a five year old child, and there’s bound to be difficulty following until one is instructed and given the rules and regulations. Many of these blessings will cause more trouble, more desire for grabbing more wealth, more things more to themselves instead of sharing and encouraging because indeed the exceeding sinfulness of sin is being brought more and more to to intellige.

Reminds me of a story that of these two men that met in school and grew up together and the one was very go getter type of person and the other one was more reasonable type of attitude, and after school they drifted apart and hadn’t spoken for many years and they got back together and the one said what have you been doing? You know, what have you been accomplishing this past time? And the one said well I’ve got there’s properties and houses, you know, fancy cars. I’ve risen to the top of so many things.

I’ve acquired just so many marvelous things, and the guy says, well, what have you learned and accomplished? He says, well, I’ve just got modest means and modest appreciation of things, but I do have one thing that you’ll never have. What? Something I won’t have?

Yes, I have enough.

He has enough, and that’s one lesson the world is learning through this very tumultuous time. To have enough to be a blessing to others, to have that golden wedge of over value of each other is something that mankind is learning through this destructive time.

Psalms 77:18 77:18 this voice of thy thunder was in the heavens. The lightnings lightened the world. The earth trembled and shook so as much lightnings, blessings, encouragements, but the effect was the earth trembled and shook the end of the 1260 days brought us to 1799. The end of papacy’s power to oppress Napoleon’s work was extremely humiliating to the papal system and brought the true light of papacy’s so called power to light. Especially when just before the time of the end when the Pope was taken prisoner to France, further humiliations of him being requested to be at the crowning of Napoleon, whereas before the Pope did all the crowning and uncrowning and so forth.

The 1290 days brought us to 1829, the period of the Second Adventist movement, a time William Miller was stirring up the minds of the searchers to the prophecies and beginning the desire to look into these spiritual things. He was not entirely accurate. Many fronts, but many things. He was a wonderful stirring up of the Lord’s people.

And the ending of the 2300 days brought us to the cleansing of the sanctuary in 1846 which resulted in making a class ready for the Lord’s return of people ready, and another quote from page 550 of the third volume. This date also 1799 also clearly marks the beginning of a new era of liberty of thought and the realization of individual rights and privileges and has already been distinguished by its rapid strides of progress toward the full accomplishment of the work mapped out for this time of the end as a single illustration. Notice the rise and work of the various Bible societies. Pestiferous Bible Society Rome calls them, though it cannot now hinder them.

And the Sacred volume which she once confined in chains and kept covered in dead languages and forbade her subjects to read, is now scattered by the millions in every nation and language. The British and Foreign Bible Society was established in 1803 the New York Bible Society, 1804 the Berlin Prussian Bible Society, 1805 the Philadelphia Bible Society in 1808 the American Bible Society in 1817. The extent of the work done by these societies during this century is wonderful. Bibles by the millions are published yearly and sold at low prices, and many thousands are given away to the poor. It is difficult to estimate the wide influence of this work.

While much is doubtless lost, the result in general is to break the bonds of slavery and superstition, political and ecclesiastical. Its quiet teaching that popes, priests, and laity, as well as kings, generals, and beggars, must all render an account to one Lord is the greatest of all levelers and equalizers, and one more third volume quote on page 59 this time of the end or day of Jehovah’s preparation, beginning in 1799 and closing A.D. 1914, though characterized by a great increase of knowledge over the all past ages, is to culminate in the greatest time of trouble the world has ever known. But it is nevertheless preparing for and leading into that blessed time so long promised, when the true kingdom of God, under the control of Christ, will fully establish an order of government, the very reverse of that antichrist.

And since this period prepares for and leads to the kingdom, it leads also to the great conflict between old and the new order of things by which the latter will be introduced, and though the old order of things must pass away, the new must supersede it. The change will be violently opposed by those advantaged by the present order. Revolution worldwide will be the outcome, resulting in the final and complete destruction of the old order and the introduction and establishment of the new. So it goes on to talk about all the discoveries and inventions and advantages of the make our day superior to every other day.

These things are bringing rapid progress for all, except in this progress to some quarters it’s bringing much more trouble and intensifying the trouble because of selfishness.

So it is during this time of the end that Michael, like God, stands up, resulting in a time of trouble such as never was beginning the day of Jehovah. So preparation previous to the Lord’s return by the Lord’s permission, led to an increase of knowledge. I think an application of the increase of knowledge and many traveling to and fro help set the place, set the theme for the trouble, assigning of the day of Jehovah the best and the worst of times, and we had the French Revolution as a picture of this, and Another quote from 5:34 of the fourth volume, the quote the French Revolution was a struggle of a measure of light against gross darkness, of the awakening spirit of liberty against long established oppression, and a measure of truth against old errors and superstitions long encouraged and fostered by civil and ecclesiastical powers for their own aggrandizement and for the people’s oppression.

And yet it exhibited the danger of liberty unguided by righteousness and the spirit of a sound mind. A little learning indeed is a dangerous thing, and Pastor then goes on to quote Charles Dickens words in the one of his novels during the time of the French Revolution, quote, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was an age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was a season of light, it was a season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair. We had everything before us, we had nothing before us. We were all going direct to heaven, and we are all going direct the other way.

In short, the period was so far like the present period that some of its noisiest authorities insisted when it’s being received for good or evil in the superlative degree of comparison only. So the short version of that might be the phrase may you live in interesting times.

So what advice would we give to others in this difficult time? Zephaniah 2323 of Zephaniah says, seek ye the Lord, all unique of the earth, which have wrought his judgment. Seek righteousness, seek meekness. It may be you shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger, and this would be advice certainly for the church to take.

But I think for those we can apply who have a good heart, maybe not have their eyes open this time, but just naturally seeking meekness and righteousness and the good things will be a measure of protection and watch care over many of the world today as they enter more and more into this troublous time.

The advice that is given in the last paragraph of the chapter in the Day of Jehovah, we’ll read a portion of that.

He begins by saying that there’s many ideas and politics and so forth that others have been trying to direct and control and kind of steer along. But the Lord’s children should have no sympathy with arrogant, insatiate desires and endeavors of any class. Their utterances should be calm and moderate and always for peace where principle is not at stake. They should remember that it is the Lord’s battle and that so far as politics or social questions are concerned, they have no real solution other than that predicted in the word of God. The duty of the consecrated, therefore, is first of all to see that they are not in the way of Jehovah’s chariot, and then to stand still and see the salvation of our God in sense of realizing that it is in no part of their work to share in the struggle, but that it is the Lord’s doing through other agencies.

Regardless of all such things, they should press along the line of their own mission, proclaiming the heavenly kingdom is at hand as the only remedy for all classes and their only hope. So we’re not steering the boat. We are just being servants of the Lord, and I like the phrase we’re not standing in the way of Jehovah’s chariot. We’ll get mowed down if we do.

We might have the best of intentions, like trying to steady the ark, but that’s not going to be profitable for us to try.

And again the question arises, Malachi 3232 of Malachi. But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fuller’s soap, and the answer is in verse 16 and 17 of Malachi 3.

This then they that feared the Lord spake often, one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon his name, and they shall be mine, saith Jehovah of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. You know, at times we might be like the apostle Peter, when the Lord was walking to them on the troubleless tumultuous sea, and Peter started out to go to the Lord.

When he kept his eyes on Jesus, he did well. But then he started to look at the ways of the trouble, and he began to sink and he needed to reach out and grab onto the Lord. Okay, still have a few pages. I noticed Brother Scott’s there staring at me. I better whistle along a little further here.

We’ll cut out a few points, but I think we’ll maybe look at the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace. We are indeed in a fiery furnace, but there’s one walking amongst us. All the fire does to us is burns the cords that bind us, and we have the Lord walking with us.

One last thought here we’ll try to squeeze in. Brother Kramer gave a wonderful thought on the Lord’s character when we’re witnessing to somebody about this trouble assignment. Heavenly Father’s character may come across as very mean and vengeful, but Brother Kramer’s thought was the four attributes of the Lord are always exemplified in all his works. One might be prominent, such as this trouble. They justice and the power.

But as we have mentioned, the love and results that come about from this difficult time will be a blessing, and the one scripture that I was kind of looking at, Psalms, the 145th chapter might be good to bring out to someone that we’re talking to. There’s many verses in the chapter. The grand character of the Lord. He is good to all his tender mercies over all his works.

He upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that are bowed down. Thou openest the hand and satisfieth the desire of every living thing, and one of the verses, the 20th verse, his loving kindness and caring compassion are mentioned, and there’s just one short phrase, and he refers to carrying out of the justice that he will destroy the wicked. But everything else in the whole chapter underscores his love, compassion, and his plan.

And Ezekiel 18:23 have I any desire that the wicked should perish, but rather they should turn from their ways and live? This is the heart of our Heavenly Father. Excuse me. So let’s press ahead, and with those thoughts we’ll close.

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