Untitled article by L. A. Reed

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Feb 28, 1911

"From the Sunrising"

By L. A. Reed

IN the book of Revelation there are wondrous visions of history told in advance.

Among the scenes beheld by the prophet John, was that of the work in the earth of the demons in the last final conflict of earth's history, spirits of demons "which go forth unto the kings of the whole world, to gather them together unto the war of the great day of God, the Almighty." Rev. 16:14. And these kings thus led by the satanic spirits are seen coming from the sunrising! It is thus that the history of the world has been told for ages.

From the sunrising—in this direction have moved the mighty events of the nations for thousands of years. From Babylon to Medo-Persia, from Medo-Persia to Greece, from Greece to Rome, from Rome to Europe, from Europe to the United States, from the United States to the Philippines, Japan, and China—such has been the trend of events through the years. Following the sun, moving with the movement of the light, so civilization has marched with the years. "Westward the course of empire" has taken its way.

But preceding the picture of the nations being led astray, we have another picture, another vision given the prophet, recorded in the 7th chapter of Revelation, verse two: "And I saw another angel ascend from the sunrising, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a great voice." "From the sunrising comes God's angel." From the sunrising—the providence of God precedes the deceptive work of the spirits of demons! Through the years God's work, God's providence, His angelic representatives move ever in advance of every other work whatsoever. God leads the way. Blessed are they who keep pace with Him.

But sad for those who fall behind! In the rear, coming behind, trailing in the dust and the mist, are the deceiving spirits leading hosts who have rejected the counsels of God and are opposed to His purposes. From the sunrising, therefore, move those, it is true, led by the demons of wrong; but ahead of them, triumphant, mighty, moves majestically the work of God, conquering,—from the sunrising.

It is good to know that God's work is in the lead. It is good to know that God's agencies are far in the advance. It is good to know that all things are clear to the vision of our Creator. Out of His calm eternity He beholds all things that concern humanity. He controls, as we shall all see at last, the destiny of the world. May we follow His providence—from the sunrising. May we too move with the light. May the angel of God that comes from the sunrising, crying with a great voice, be our leader.

May we not be among those who follow the lying spirits, moving also from the sunrising, but failing to keep pace with the merciful providence of God. All these are led by unclean spirits, spirits of demons, and they gather the nations for Armageddon.

"Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." Rev. 16:15.