Two Signs by T. E. Bowen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 22, 1914

Two Signs

By T. E. Bowen

T. E. BOWEN

WHEN Jesus answered the double question put to him by the disciples on the Mount of Olives, "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" he purposely mingled the two events concerning which they asked, the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world. Evidently they thought at that time that these events were synonymous. Jesus had a purpose in thus answering them. It was a benefit to his followers in those days, who were to witness the destruction of Jerusalem, to study signs and events preceding the end of the world; and evidently those who should be living at the time of the end were to learn lessons from the destruction of Jerusalem. The disciples did not comprehend then that so many centuries would pass, so many purposes of God unfold; but we who look back upon it all, can see that it was all in God's plan, and that Jesus' prophetic eye comprehended it all.

He gave those believers there a definite sign that they, who had learned to value the worth of every word falling from his lips, might know when their beloved city was to be destroyed. "Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars." "Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom," said Jesus. These things were not to trouble them. "But when ye see Jerusalem compassed [surrounded] with armies, then know that her desolation is at hand. Then let them that are in Judea flee unto the mountains; and let them that are in the midst of her depart out; and let not them that are in the country enter therein. For these are days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled." Luke 21 : 20-22.

We are told that not one Christian perished in the siege of Jerusalem. Why not?—They watched for the sign Jesus gave them. They had their eyes on that Roman army.

"After the Romans under Cestius had surrounded the city, they unexpectedly abandoned the siege when everything seemed favorable for an immediate attack. The besieged, despairing of successful resistance, were on the point of surrender, when the Roman general withdrew his forces without the least apparent reason. But God's merciful providence was directing events for the good of his own people. The promised sign had been given to the waiting Christians, and now an opportunity was afforded for all who would, to obey the Saviour's warning. Events were so overruled that neither Jews nor Romans should hinder the flight of the Christians. . . . Without delay they fled to a place of safety."—"Great Controversy," pages 30, 31.

A short time after this the Roman armies returned under Titus, and the beloved city of Israel was "compassed" and the successful siege begun, in which thousands upon thousands miserably perished.

Coming down to the time of the end, sure signs are given. The darkening of the sun and of the moon and the falling of the stars are general signs. These tell the end is nearing. And as the Lord through the prophet Daniel, foretold a political event which was to be to his people a sign of the fall of Jerusalem (see Matt. 24:15), so, through the same prophet, God has given us a sign in the political world by which we are to know when the end is at hand. This sign is to be found in the kingdom of the north—Turkey—as outlined by the angel Gabriel to Daniel. One of the last political events, or movements among nations, before the work of God shall close in the earth and the door of mercy be shut (as it was shut when God shut Noah and his family into the ark and a disbelieving world out), will be the removal of that government's palace to Jerusalem. For forty years and more Seventh-day Adventists have believed this, and taught it to the world.

During this time in one way and another the capital of Turkey has been held just across the strait in Europe; this, too, while strong nations have coveted this strategical spot. For years it has seemed very apparent that the Turk would be forced to remove his palace from where it is now in Europe, quite probably to some place in Palestine, which is spoken of as the "holy land."

Two years ago it was thought that the Turk must go. This was even the Balkan war slogan, yet he remained by the slender holding of a thread, so to speak. A little time has elapsed, a golden opportunity has been granted, apparently much like the falling back of the Roman armies headed for Jerusalem.

But now with the terrible clash of the great nations of Europe, with Russia demanding a passage of her warships out through the Bosporus, with Turkey apparently aligning with the foe of both Russia and England, the outlook certainly portends that the long-delayed event is near at hand when the Turk must seek headquarters elsewhere.

It should be emphasized that even when this last-foretold event occurs, and the Turk removes to Jerusalem, even then it remains true that no one knows the exact time when Jesus receives in heaven his kingdom (see Dan. 7:9-14) from his Father, who hath kept within his own power the time of this particular event. See Acts 1:4-7. But evidently, as in the time of Jerusalem's siege, there will be no time to lose in escaping the things that are to come when this last sign shall have taken place among nations. The word now is, and then will be, "Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."

The time for earnestly seeking God in secret, for putting away sin, and for improving every opportunity of giving the light to others, is now here. May God's people keenly observe the tokens the Lord has given, and faithfully perform the part he directs at this time for the finishing of his work.