Gospel News — Jan-Apr 2013

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God from the foundation of the world (1Peter 1:7-20). In the fullness of time Jesus came and was "born of a woman" (Galatians 4:4).

Until that time in the midst of history, a placeholder for man was found in the Old Testament (or Jewish economy) through obedience to ordinances and sacrificial work. A hymn writer wrote: "Not all the blood of beasts on Jewish altars slain, could give the guilty conscience peace or took away the stain, but Christ, the heavenly lamb, takes our sin away."

It is up to you and me to choose to think, live and work in harmony with God's purpose for our lives, so that we shall be to the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:12

At That Time Shall Michael Stand Up

Bro. Ralph Green, (Torquay, UK)

These words which form our heading open the 12th chapter of Daniel's prophecy. This chapter is a continuation of the prophetic survey given to Daniel in the whole of chapter eleven. It introduces Michael who is described as `the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people'. Michael who is also called Michael the Archangel (Jude v.9), is also mentioned in chapter 10 v.21 of Daniel as being involved in controlling the activities of a king of Persia. This activity was carried out with another angel who was probably Gabriel. It is evident that these angels are able to influence world leaders and others in order to fulfil the purpose of God.

The Time for Action

The time when Michael was to stand up is stated to be when `he shall come to his end and none shall help him'. (Ch.11 v.45) The individual described in this extract is none other than the King of the North referred to in v.40. The context of the intervening verses enabled us to identify this power as the Turkish Empire; this power came to its end during World War 1, 1917. Its end came about because Turkey had sided with Germany. British troops advanced into Palestine

where the Turks had based their main army. In the ensuing battle British troops led by General Allenby took Jerusalem on December 9th 1917. The war soon came to an end with the removal of the desolating Turks from the Holy Lane.

General Allenby dismounted his horse and in respect walked into the Holy City of Jerusalem

The Wandering Jews

We have to remember that the Jews, for a long time, were a people without a land. They wished for a country that would welcome them, millions of them, because they were all refugees. There are therefore good reasons why Michael should stand up for the Jewish people at this time of need and opportunity.

Dr. Chaim Weizmann