when hope becomes reality
We all recognise that unity across the human family is needed if we hope to solve the problems that take joy from our lives. There is real comfort in knowing that our Creator will soon bring lasting peace and harmony to everyone by means of his Son, Jesus. The scriptures assure us of this loving purpose—”According to his will, which he set out for himself, for an arrangement at the completion of the appointed times, to bring all things together in the Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.” (Ephesians 1:9, 10)
Notice, this gathering and uniting through Christ started “at the full limit of the appointed times”, meaning God set the exact time in advance. This happened in the year 33 CE. On the day of Pentecost, our Creator began joining men and women destined for heaven to serve as partners with his Son. (Acts 2:1-4, 14-21; 2 Corinthians 1:20-22; Ephesians 2:4-7) His plan stretches further—he also intends to draw all “things on the earth” into full unity with his Son.
Why Our Generation Matters
Since the first stage of this uniting began right on time, we can expect the final uniting of “the things on the earth” to follow the same pattern. Looking around us, we see a world divided, facing endless troubles. This gives us a sense that real unity is needed without delay.
We are living through a time that stands out in history. The year 1914 marks the start of a period of record-breaking conflict, unrest and growing problems. Many historians highlight 1914 as a major turning point. General Samuel Turner wrote:
“In 1914, the world’s political system, already fragile, collapsed like a house of cards. Before World War I ended, three great empires had disappeared, removing the last remnants of the so-called Holy Roman Empire, while new powers rose, fuelled by the doctrines of revolution and social change…“
– General Samuel Turner
Decades before these troubles began, earnest Bible students—now known worldwide as Jehovah’s Witnesses—pointed to 1914 as the beginning of a time of distress for today’s world. Their warning was based on Bible chronology and prophecy. When the First World War began, people noticed that what these Bible students had been teaching deserved attention. On 30 August 1914, the London World, in its magazine section, said:
“The shocking war in Europe has fulfilled a remarkable prophecy. For 25 years, through preachers and the press, the ‘International Bible Students’… have warned the world that the Day of Wrath foretold in the Bible would arrive in 1914. ‘Look out for 1914!’ has been the call of hundreds of travelling evangelists from this unique group, announcing that ‘the Kingdom of God is near.’”
– the London World
Events since then, matching what the Bible foretold, confirm that 1914 began the “last days” for this system.
A Growing Sense of Uncertainty
People who follow current events often feel uneasy and fearful about what lies ahead. On 5 September 1974, United Nations Secretary-General Lester Martin commented on the “almost universal sense of apprehension” about where our world is going. He expressed serious concern over the “helplessness and fatalism” that so many people feel today.
Our time fits Jesus Christ’s description exactly—
25 Also, there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of nations not knowing the way out because of the roaring of the sea and its agitation. 26 People will become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth,”
– Luke 21: 25, 26
What do these signs mean for us? Within the lifespan of many who saw the start of these “last days”, God’s loyal servants will see a wonderful release. After describing the fear among nations, Jesus continued,
” When these things begin to happen, stand tall and hold your heads high, because your freedom is near… Look at the fig tree or any tree. When you see leaves budding, you know summer is close. In the same way, when you see these things, you know that God’s kingdom is near. I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all happens.”
– (Luke 21:28-32,
The Nearness of Lasting Unity
So, the time is almost here for God’s Kingdom to take charge of the earth and bring full unity under Christ. To make this possible, all who oppose this unity will be removed, including the Devil and his followers. Christ will take the lead in removing these obstacles and begin the healing of humanity by applying the benefit of his sacrifice. (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; Revelation 19:11-21; 20:2, 3)
At last, the challenges that trouble us can be solved, and in a way that truly helps those who love what is right. Do we want to be among those who enjoy the wonderful freedom that God’s kingdom under Christ will soon bring? If so, let’s take active steps now. Let’s stand with those who support God’s way of bringing unity to “the things on the earth”. Many wonder—how can we do this?
