MARCH 23RD, 1942
MARCH 23RD, 1942
BELOVED BROTHER, — ... As to Revelation, and the bearing of current events, there can be no doubt that things are moving in the direction which the prophetic word indicates. But we have always to bear in mind that the assembly period is not the subject of prophecy. It is instructive to observe, in connection with the fourth beast, that the Spirit of God passes over to the events of the last days, and gives little or no intimation as to what would transpire during the time that saints of the assembly are being called. The present is a gap in [p. 308] prophetic time, and it has always proved fruitless and misleading to try to connect what is happening now with prophecy, though many believers have wasted time in the attempt. One thing is certain, that the mystery of lawlessness was already working when 2 Thessalonians was written, and it has been developing ever since. But there is divine restraint upon it, so that the principles at work are not allowed to mature so long as the assembly is here. The “opened door” set before Philadelphia cannot be shut. We know not what changes may take place before the ten-kingdomed confederacy takes shape, and it is not well to try to forecast the course of human events. Our great concern should be to understand what wonders God is bringing to pass in gathering Christ’s joint-heirs, and in securing His own inheritance in the saints.
I believe, as it has often been said, that the first movement that we should look for will take place at the right hand of God. Our eyes and hearts must be there. The great subject of our prayers should be that God will give increasing power with His word so that the elect may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory, and that saints may more and more find their portion outside this world, as being linked up in mind and affection with the Coming One, and be fully set for His interests here. We do not look for events, but for a Person, and the more simply we have this in view the better will it be for our souls and for our testimony. With much love in the Lord,
Yours affectionately in Him,
March 23rd, 1942.