Harbinger of Spring.

This phrase was used by the great English poet William Wordsworth in his poem
"To a snowdrop".


"Nor will I then thy modest grace forget,
Chaste snowdrop, venturous harbinger of spring, "

After winter we look for a herald of spring, some evidence that winter is almost over.

In the Old Testament there were those who studied the "signs of the times" recorded in the first book of Chronicles chapter 12 verse 32. These were "the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do . . ."

It is great to be able to known what we "ought to do" in any given situation!

It is important to understand the signs of the times.

I believe that it is the only way that we can find encouragement to face the days of difficulty and distress. Conflict is always with us but when the conflict zone is around the Land of Israel we need to take special notice. The final events of this present age will all take place in that area of the world. Some would want to remove the name, Israel from the world map. In fact this happened recently when the United Nations held what it called "A day of Solidarity" with the Palestinian people. In the presence of Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General, a large map was displayed labelled in Arabic "Map of Palestine" with UN and PLO flags in evidence but no mention of Israel.

For 56 years the Nation of Israel has sat in the company of the (so called) United Nations and yet it is still being ignored. Sadly some Bible believing Christians are failing the see that this is all part of those things that will happen in the last days.

Over a century ago Baptist and Anglican preachers had a clear view of what would have to happen before Messiah comes.
Charles H. Spurgeon and Bishop J.C.Ryle were getting the church in the U.K. to observe the signs of the times. These two writers are still speaking to the age in which we live.
When Christ returns, and The King is coming,
reprinted by Whitaker of New Kensington PA. USA keep alive
Spurgeon's words on this important subject.

Christian Focus Publications of Fearn, Scotland
keep alive the words of J.C.Ryle in the book entitled
Prophecy, ISBN 1-871676-64-9.

One magazine well worth reading is that produced by Tony Pearce,
Light for the Last Days, Box BM - 4226, London, WC1N 3XX
http://www.lightforthelastdays.co.uk/

In the New Testament the Lord Jesus Christ tells of men observing the sign of the red sky at night in Matthews Gospel chapter 16 verses 1 to 4. It becomes a natural thing for people to comment on the weather signs, be it red sky at night or red sky in the morning!

We are living in interesting times, if not seen by some as difficult times.
Recently while visiting in Poland I was asked "How do you see the signs today?"

As I was asked I gave answer to that question and those who know me would expect me to hold forth on the subject. The subject being the end times as clearly shown in Holy Scripture.

I am amazed at the lack of concern that some Christians have in seeing the plan of God unfolding and for His future return to this earth, to rule and to reign.

Scripture encourages us to be ready and to be prepared, in Matthew Chapters 24 & 25 it was the Lord Jesus Christ Himself giving the warning to watch and be ready.

So I for one will continue to obey HIM.