PJ Hanley
by PJ Hanley
Last week the British voted to leave the EU. Shockwaves went around the world as markets fell and fear gripped millions of people regarding their financial and political future. Others celebrated independence and sovereignty and the destruction of the New World Order. Talking heads on TV rattled on about the collapse of the EU and Globalism and the rise of a new era of “Populism” and “Trumpism.” And of course, the Preterists and Dominionists chimed in with condemnation and mockery of “doom and gloom” preaching, using the opportunity to authenticate their rosy view of a world getting better and better. But even more astonishingly, some of those who believe the EU has fulfilled Bible Prophecy were wobbling and buckling under the pressure and trying to come up with new alternatives. One piece that appeared in Charisma asked the question; “Did Great Britain’s decision to exit the European Union stall the Revelation 13 prophecy of a new world order?” It had a link to a video that was done by these young people, who seemed to believe in Bible Prophecy and the soon return of Christ (the caption behind them said “Revelation in the News”), but who opined about another American revolution and the setback of Globalism by about ten years.They sounded sincere and well meaning, but yet I was deeply troubled by their confusion regarding nationalism, patriotism and the kingdom of God.
Roller Coaster Prophets
Sensationalists are people who like to hype up stories to create a thrilling and even shocking effect. Some do it for attention but the marketeers do it for money. The press has long known the power of sensationalism and the public’s taste for shock and awe rather than truth. This is why tabloids exist and thrive. Sadly, “Christian” Media isn’t any different. They love popularity and ratings more than the work of God. They always have guests on that are saying provocative things and bringing forth the latest trashy awesomeness and deep revelations. They sell themselves as servants of the kingdom of God while they pursue fame and the almighty ratings. That’s why they have a witch on tonight to tell us how real witchcraft is, and a deliverance ministry tomorrow night to show us what happens to witches. Or a Preterist who hates Dispensationalists tonight and tomorrow night (“Don’t miss it”) a Pre-Millennialist who hates Preterism – if they can find one. And next week they have (“wait ‘till you hear this”) a woman who goes to heaven weekly and comes back to earth with a new message, only to be followed by someone who decries the seduction of Christianity and the New Age in the church. Far be it from them to bore Christians with solid Bible teaching and the humdrum of orthodoxy. No, the roller coaster prophets can’t prosper that way. They want people hooked on the thrill of the up and down sensation rather than the stability of the straight and narrow. With craftiness and deceitful scheming these “prophets and apostles” keep the church ignorant and immature and tossed around by every wave of doctrine.[1]
The Prophetic Word is Sure
“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Pet 1:19-21 NIV
Perhaps there is no subject more exploited by sensationalists than that of Bible Prophecy. Indeed, the very subject itself is usually presented as mysterious, sensational and untrustworthy. In recent years, Christian leaders seem to abhor any idea of a Biblical eschatology that is dependable and unchanged by fleeting trends or political upheaval. Thus the ones called to bring stability in this area are themselves tossed around by the winds and waves. The Brexit vote and the overreaction to it, just illustrates their instability.
The Bible, on the other hand, gives us a clear and reliable understanding of the end of the age and how it unfolds. It is not a roller coaster ride of ups and downs that just rattle your nerves and get you nowhere. It unveils the scenario that will occur and the signs that prove it is occurring. Those who know its message and believeits report are not tossed around by Brexit or any other geopolitical disturbance. They know that the end of the age scenario began when Israel came back as a nation to its ancient homeland in 1948 and recovered Jerusalem in 1967. Thus the prophesy of Jesus was fulfilled beginning the last generation.[2] Just like that it happened. However, what most people don’t realize is that it took two horrendous world wars to bring it about and great political upheaval – like what happened in 1917. We are in a similar situation today as war rages in the Middle-East and ancient boundaries are changing. So we should not be surprised that more shaking and upheaval is happening. God uses the plans of men to further His plan. The prophet Daniel put it this way:
“Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. It is He who changes the times and the epchs; He removes kings and establishes kings.” Dan 2:20-21
“The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whom He wishes.” Dan 4:17
Don’t Count Your Chickens Until They’re Hatched
Many look at the Brexit vote as proof the EU is breaking up and thus cannot be the fulfillment of the Biblical prophecies (for more on this see my last article here). However, they need to understand that the Almighty is in charge of history and working all things after the counsel of His will. Consider for a moment that the United Nations actually agreed to the formation of the State of Israel. Imagine! They wouldn’t do it now. But for a brief moment, to fulfill God’s plan, they approved. Remember the breakup of the Soviet Union, and how the mockers piled on Bible Prophecy teachers. “So much for Russia invading the Middle-East and all that,” they said. But after an Exodus of trapped Jews were released to return to the homeland, Russia re-emerged and is more powerful and dangerous than ever before. Therefore, in the same way, I believe this shake up of Europe will hasten the fulfillment of the End-Time scenario and not slow it down. Just a week after the event, there are more questions than answers.
After the Brexit vote, the EU demanded that Britain begin Article 50 right away. Yet now we hear that it is unlikely to happen soon, if at all. There is no British leadership to implement the referendum, and those who are likely to take over are already saying they won’t do anything until next year. Furthermore, the Brexit vote is actually just that, a vote. It is the opinion of the majority of citizens but it is not shared by those who actually run the government. Out of 650 members of Parliament only 158 supported it and emotions are high. The referendum has no force, no clout on its own. It is not a law and is not binding. Article 50 cannot be invoked without the Parliament’s approval, and even if it is, no one knows what it entails. It has never happened before and there is no precedent. So it is not clear at all what will happen. Indeed, after all the talk of revolution and independence, we may actually be looking at months and months of negotiations leading to a new referendum and a completely different result – like when Ireland rejected the Lisbon treaty. Nevertheless, one thing is clear, God’s purpose for raising up the EU will be fulfilled and this season of shaking will set the stage for what must happen next. Another thing that is also abundantly clear is that the EU still has 28 member States.
[1] Eph 4:14
[2] Luke 21:24