THE GREATEST SIGHT IN THE WORLD.
By H. E. Simkin
In looking back through the records of humanity many events and achievements stand out with striking force and remarkable attraction. Those receiving the greatest attention are the ones in which the most power is manifest. The tower of Babel, the temple of Solomon, and the lighthouse of Pharos all showed great skill in construction, and gave evidence of the surprising power in the combined strength of men. But as the power of God exceeds the strength of men, so do the events of sacred history in which are shown the special power of God without man’s efforts, eclipse all monuments of human skill. The coming of the flood was the greatest scene of the antediluvian world, and the breaking up of “the fountains of the great deep” showed a power exceeding the united power of the race in building the tower of Babel, by which men thought to escape the destruction of another possible deluge. But this was a punishment on a wicked generation, of which but eight souls escaped, and it is not pleasant to view. The sight of the brazen serpent in the wilderness by which many—yes, all who would comply with the conditions—were healed of a plague, is one which the people saw with gladness, and which we can contemplate with pleasure. But the serpent was only a figure of the great Healer who should be lifted up for mankind. The crucifixion of Christ was an event never equaled in the history of the world. Think of the great darkness which covered that scene! Consider the words of assurance and comfort to the dying and repentant thief by the Saviour even while he himself was undergoing such inconceivable sufferings! And above all look at the prayer of the Lord for his murderers! Nothing in the universe can compare in importance with the event of that Friday eighteen hundred and sixty-nine years ago, but it was seen by his followers with terrible sorrow, and by all others with fearful forebodings for the future. A few weeks later, as the disciples accompanied him to the Mount of Olives and across its grassy summit to a familiar spot near the historic Bethany, a thrill of joy must have passed over each of them as he affectionately gathered them around him, and slowly ascended to his Father. The scene was one which but few were permitted to behold; and while they undoubtedly rejoiced for his sake that he was again to enjoy his heavenly abode, their joy was tinged with sorrow because he would no longer be with them in his familiar form. His departure was to them the greatest sight in the world, but they were not long left to so consider it. While they were still trying to prolong the scene and catch a further glimpse of their Lord, two heavenly messengers turned them from their object by asking a reason for their upward gaze. These angelic beings, clothed in white, had been sent to earth to call the attention of the disciples, and through them to call our attention, to a sight that will soon be seen, which will so far surpass any or all of these we have mentioned that it can not be compared. “This same Jesus . . . shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go.” In two respects only will this sight be just like the last one noticed. “This same Jesus” will come again, and he will “come in like manner” as he went. But beyond this the comparison ceases. None of the events to which we have alluded, in anywise equals this. Instead of only eight souls being saved, as in the time of the flood, one hundred and forty-four thousand will look up with joy as they recognize their deliverer, and untold numbers will come forth from their graves clothed in immortality. This scene is no figure like the brazen serpent, but it is the antitype of all the Old Testament figures. In contrast with the time of the crucifixion and the ascension, there will be no sorrow for any who have put their trust in the Saviour on this occasion. All such will then experience the greatest joy of their existence. This event is the culmination of the six thousand years’ conflict between sin and righteousness in this world’s history. This will without question be the greatest sight in the world. Many even of the Lord’s professed followers spend much time and money to see the great sights of this world. How many will be prepared to view with joy this greatest of all sights?