The Plan of God in Brief

STUDY 12 The Day of Jehovah

The "Day of Jehovah" is the name of that period of time in which God’s Kingdom, under Christ, is to be gradually "set up" in the earth, while the kingdoms of this world are passing away and Satan’s power and influence over men are being bound. It is everywhere described as a dark day of intense trouble and distress and perplexity upon mankind. And what wonder that a revolution of such proportions, and necessitating such great changes, should cause trouble. Small revolutions have caused trouble in every age; and this, so much greater than any previous revolution, is to be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation—no, nor ever shall be.—Dan.12:1; Matt.24:21,22.

It is called the "Day of Jehovah" because, though Christ, with royal title and power, will be present as Jehovah’s representative, taking charge of all the affairs during this day of trouble, it is more as the General of Jehovah, subduing all things, than as the Prince of Peace, blessing all. Meantime, as false and imperfect views and systems fall, the standard of the new King will rise, and eventually He shall be recognized and owned by all as King of kings. So it is presented by the prophets as Jehovah’s work to set up Christ’s dominion: "I shall give (you) the nations for your inheritance; and the uttermost parts of the earth for Your possession." (Psa.2:8 MKJV). "In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom." (Dan.2:44) The Ancient of days did sit, and there was brought before Him one like unto a son of man, and there was given him a dominion, that all kingdoms should serve and obey him. (Dan.7:9,13,14,22,27). Added to these is Paul’s statement that, when Christ shall accomplish the object of His reign "then shall the Son also himself be subject unto Him [the Father] that PUT ALL THINGS UNDER HIM."—1 Cor.15:28

This period is called the "Day of Vengeance of our God," and a "Day of Wrath." (Isa.61:2; 63:1‑4; Psa.110:5.) And yet the mind that grasps only the idea of anger, or supposes divine malice, seriously errs. God has established certain laws, in harmony with which He operates, and those who from any cause come into conflict with these reap the penalty or wrath of their own course. God’s counsel to mankind has been continually rejected, except by the few; and, as we have shown, He permitted them to have their own way and to drop Him and His counsels from their hearts. (Rom.1:28).

The Present Situation

We here mark more particularly the present aspect of affairs in the world, as we now see them shaping themselves for the rapidly approaching conflict—a conflict which, when its terrible climax is reached, must necessarily be a short one, else the race would be exterminated. The two rival parties to this battle are already visible. Wealth, arrogance and pride are on one side, and widely prevailing poverty, ignorance, bigotry and a keen sense of injustice are on the other. Both, impelled by selfish motives, are now organizing their forces all over the civilized world. With our eyes anointed with truth, wherever we look we can see that the sea and the waves are already roaring and lashing and foaming out against the mountains, as represented in the threats and attempts of anarchists and discontents whose numbers are constantly increasing. We can see, too, that the friction between the various factions or elements of society is rapidly getting to the point described by the prophets, when the earth (society) will be on fire, and the elements will melt and disintegrate with the mutually generated heat.

All this trouble will but prepare the world to realize that though men may plan and arrange ever so well and wisely, all their plans will prove futile as long as ignorance and selfishness are in the majority and have control. It will convince all that the only feasible way of correcting the difficulty is by the setting up of a strong and righteous government, which will subdue all classes, and enforce principles of righteousness, until gradually the stony‑heartedness of men will, under favourable influences, give place to the original image of God. And this is just what God has promised to accomplish for all, by and through the Millennial Reign of Christ, which Jehovah introduces by the chastisements and lessons of this day of trouble.—Ezek.11:19; 36:25,36; Jer.31:29‑34; Zeph.3:9; Psa.46:8‑10.

Duty and Privilege of the Saints

An important question arises regarding the duty of the saints during this trouble, and their proper attitude toward the two opposing classes now coming into prominence. That some of the saints will still be in the flesh during at least a part of this burning time seems possible. Their position in it, however, will differ from that of others, not so much in that they will be miraculously preserved (though it is distinctly promised that their bread and water shall be sure), but in the fact that, being instructed from God’s Word, they will not feel the same anxiety and hopeless dread that will overspread the world. They will recognize the trouble as the preparation, according to God’s plan, for blessing the whole world, and they will be cheered and comforted through it all. This is forcibly stated in Psa.91; Isa.33:2‑14,15‑24.

Thus comforted and blessed by the divine assurance, the first duty of the saints is to let the world see that in the middle of all the prevailing trouble and discontent, and even while they share the trouble and suffer under it, they are hopeful, cheerful and always rejoicing in view of the glorious outcome foretold in God’s Word.

The Apostle has written that "Godliness with contentment is great gain;" (1 Tim.6:6) and though this has always been true, it will have double force in this Day of the Lord, when discontent is the chief ailment among all worldly classes. To these the saints should be a notable exception. There never was a time when dissatisfaction was so widespread; and yet there never was a time when men enjoyed so many favours and blessings. Wherever we look, whether into the palaces of the rich, replete with conveniences and splendours of which Solomon in all his glory knew almost nothing, or whether we look into the comfortable home of the thrifty and temperate wageworker, with its evidence of taste, comfort, art and luxury, we see that in every way the present exceeds in bountiful supply every other period since the creation, many‑fold; and yet the people are unhappy and discontented. The fact is that the desires of a selfish, depraved heart knows no bounds. Selfishness has so taken possession of all, that, as we look out, we see the whole world madly pushing and driving and clutching after wealth. A few only being successful, the remainder are envious and soured because they are not the fortunate ones, and all are discontented and miserable—more so than in any former time.

But the saint should take no part in that struggle. His consecration vow was that he would strive and grasp and run for a higher, a heavenly prize, and hence he is weaned from earthly ambitions, and labours not for earthly things, except to provide things decent and needful; for he is giving heed to the course and example of the Master and the apostles.

Therefore they have contentment with their godliness, not because they have no ambition, but because their ambition is turned heavenward and absorbed in the effort to lay up treasure in heaven and to be rich toward God; in view of which, and of their knowledge of God’s plans revealed in His Word, they are content with whatever of an earthly sort God may provide. These can joyfully sing:

"Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me."

If the example of the saints is thus one of contentment and joyful anticipation, and a cheerful submission to present trials in sure hope of the good time coming, such living examples alone are valuable lessons for the world. And in addition to the example, the counsel of the saints to those about them should be in harmony with their faith. It should be of the nature of ointment and healing balm. Advantage should be taken of circumstances to point the world to the good time coming, to preach to them the coming Kingdom of God, and to show the real cause of present troubles, and the only remedy.—Luke 3:14; Heb.13:5; Phil.4:11.