The Coming of Our Lord Jesus Draweth Nigh

The ninth great lesson of the year 1917 is, the Coming of Our Lord Draweth Nigh. The present state and course of things cannot go on much longer. Something new, altogether new, must happen. And to the thoughtful man the only new thing that promises any permanent solution of our grave and overwhelming perplexities and embarrassments is the long-promised coming of King Emmanuel. The times are ripe for it. Furthermore, these are just such days as God tells us will immediately precede the rising of the Morning Star, the soon rising of the Son of Righteousness with healing in His wings, the glorious coming of King Jesus. Let me read you again from the Bible God’s description of the days that immediately precede the coming of the King: “But know this, that in the last days, grievous times shall come, for men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disojbedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof.” (2 Tim. 3:1-6).) Now turn from that dark picture that is being fulfilled right before our eyes, and look at another that begins with great darkness, but ends in unutterable brightness and glory, Luke 21 :25-28. “And there shall be signs in sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the billows; men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption draweth nigh.”