The New Year
Upon the threshold of the year we stand,
Holding Thy Hand;
The year holds mysteries and vague surprise
To meet our eyes;
What will its passing moments bring,
To weep, or sing?
Upon the threshold of the year we stand,
Holding Thy Hand;
Thou wilt walk step by step along the way
With us each day;
So whether joy or woe shall come this year,
We shall not fear!
- Homera Homer-Dixon
"This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto these things which are before, I press toward the mark. Paul (Philippians 3:13 -14).
As we pass another milestone, we wonder what will come to pass in this coming year . We hope for peace and happiness in the world, but the experiences of the last few months and years raise some doubts as to the future. "None of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." (Dan. 12:10). We have a guide book for these times, which, if we study it, will make us wise, so that we shall understand.
"Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand." (Joel 2:1)
We cannot make peace with evil. When the evil is conquered, then peace results. We are approaching the climax of this great struggle of the ages, and there can be no peace until it is decided. It began in Eden (Gen. 3:15), between the people of God on one side and the forces of Satan on the other; and we can follow its progress today in the daily news. The world is divided into two camps, one side working for peace, and the other plotting destruction.
No, we cannot make peace with evil, but we are not left to fight alone. It is God's battle. "Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle," (Zech. 14:3). Our Lord said, "When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." (Luke 21:28).
Let us resolve to do all in our power to spread the good news of the kingdom, so that all may be brought to the knowledge of the truth, before "the great and terrible day of the LORD."
Editor's Note: Ms. Read was a tireless worker for this Association for over 50 years until her retirement in 2000. |
