p. 5 | Holding the Winds

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jan 14, 1904

Holding the Winds

LOOKING at the situation from a merely human standpoint, and interpreting the indications according to the accepted standards of worldly wisdom, there would seem to be strong probability of a war which would be likely to involve the great nations of the earth. The leading political prophets of both continents are freely predicting that this will come before the close of the year upon which we are just entering. This shows that according to the best judgment of those who are accustomed to study national problems, all the conditions exist which are necessary to bring on such a general conflict. If the great nations of to-day do not soon muster their armies and navies against one another, it will not be for lack of such reasons as are usually considered sufficient to precipitate war.

But in the face of all this we venture to express the belief that this great last-day battle will not be fought this year. It is true that we are facing the time when the nations are angry, and if they were left to their own unrestrained passions and plans, we should doubtless soon see them engaged in deadly warfare with one another, but it is equally true that God rules in the kingdom of men, and that his purpose is supreme. There is a work to be done in offering the gospel of peace to the world before the winds of strife will be let loose. A call is to go forth to every nation, to gather out and seal for the heavenly kingdom those who place loyalty to God and obedience to his law above every other consideration. The winds are held until this work is accomplished. Here is the scripture which throws light upon our present situation: “After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that no wind should blow on the earth, or on the sea, or upon any tree. And I saw another angel ascend from the sunrising, having the seal of the living God; and he cried with a great voice to the four angels to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we shall have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.”

The message of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus must be proclaimed to this last generation, and every one will be called upon to make his choice between allegiance to the law of God and allegiance to the commandments of men. The test will come directly and specifically over the fourth commandment, that seal of the law in which is found the full name of the Creator and Father. Those who through repentance and faith become truly obedient to the law of God are those on whose foreheads the name of the Father is written, and who are thus prepared to stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion. This sealing work is accomplished as the closing part of the threefold message which is to prepare the way for the coming of the Son of man on the white cloud. It is therefore clear that while the nations are ready for the last great conflict, the people of God have not completed their work, and are not ready. In great mercy the divine command is given to hold the winds that time may be given to extend the last call to loyalty to the King of heaven, and to prepare a people to stand in the day of wrath.

Here is where we find ourselves when we take our bearings by the aid of the prophetic word. What, then, do these indications of war mean to us? Are they merely matters of speculative interest and discussion? Are they merely a general sign of the times? Are they not rather a very special and emphatic reminder of a work not yet done, and a trumpet call to take up neglected duty with a most earnest spirit of consecration? The world is needing this message, and God by special interposition is keeping the way open that his people may be free to enter all the fields with the gospel of the soon-coming kingdom. The situation ought to arouse the most sluggish, and fire a whole people with holy zeal. The end may come as soon as we are willing to bring it. We may see our Lord as soon as we have announced his coming to all the world. Then let every energy be devoted to the work while the winds are being held.