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God’s People Delivered, September 27
Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken
away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will
contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy
children.
Isaiah 49:25
.
When the protection of human laws shall be withdrawn from those
who honor the law of God, there will be, in different lands, a simultaneous
movement for their destruction. As the time appointed in the decree draws
near, the people will conspire to root out the hated sect. It will be determined
to strike in one night a decisive blow, which shall utterly silence the voice
of dissent and reproof.
The people of God—some in prison cells, some hidden in solitary
retreats in the forests and the mountains—still plead for divine protection,
while in every quarter companies of armed men, urged on by hosts of evil
angels, are preparing for the work of death. It is now, in the hour of utmost
extremity, that the God of Israel will interpose for the deliverance of His
chosen....
With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs of evil men
are about to rush upon their prey, when, lo, a dense blackness, deeper than
the darkness of the night, falls upon the earth. Then a rainbow, shining with
the glory from the throne of God, spans the heavens and seems to encircle
each praying company. The angry multitudes are suddenly arrested. Their
mocking cries die away. The objects of their murderous rage are forgotten.
With fearful forebodings they gaze upon the symbol of God’s covenant and
long to be shielded from its overpowering brightness.
By the people of God a voice, clear and melodious, is heard saying,
“Look up,” and lifting their eyes to the heavens, they behold the bow of
promise. The black, angry clouds that covered the firmament are parted,
and like Stephen they look up steadfastly into heaven and see the glory of
God and the Son of man seated upon His throne.
While all the world is plunged in darkness, there will be light in every
dwelling of the saints. They will catch the first light of His second appearing.
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