WHERE ARE WE GOING

PROLOGUE

Remember those small electric trains? The ones powered by a small transformer connected to the track. The engines would blow smoke and sound the whistle as they chugged along. I would oftentimes circle the track under the bed or under the kitchen table.

We had a game we would play, “Where are we going?” The make-believe destination would be a kingdom hidden under the bed or table. Obviously, that was many decades ago. Now I can’t help but ponder, where are we going? Where are we going as a people, a country, and a universe? God’s holy word, the Bible, has much to say about this subject in the form of prophecy. The holy Bible is crammed full of this type of prophecy, including governmental rulings.

“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.” (II Peter 1:20:21)

According to Dr. Charles Ryrie’s footnotes the amazing thing about the holy Scripture is that God superintended these human authors so that using their individual personalities, they composed and recorded without error God’s word to man.

Not only were we humans made in the very image of our living Creator, God, (Genesis 1:26-27) but we also fit in quite well within His eternal, future plans. I trust you will enjoy this recap of it all.

Before I proceed, I must remind you that I have mixed the content of this blog with certain Scripture and my interpretation of such Scripture. Of course, as you read on, you are entitled to your own opinion.

Thus, I trust you will enjoy my concept of prophecy, of the past, of the modern day, and of the future in this blog entitled “Where Are We Going?” Scripture is very clear with respect to this old world’s chain of events.

“To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.” (Titus 1:15)

It was a nice spring day. My trusty glider appeared to be calling my name as it gently moved keeping time with the soft spring breeze. Of course, being retired with nothing to do, I couldn’t turn down this invite.

I grabbed a big, ice-cold glass of sweet tea and a couple of my wife’s homemade butter cookies, and jumped on board. Where are my sunglasses? Never mind, I feel them on top of my head. Isn’t retirement wonderful!

This initial serenity didn't last long, however. Was it my routine catnap that took me there? I found myself ensnared by another of my weird, narrative dreams. I’ve been having them quite often of late. This one, as you will see, has taken the cake.

In a blink of an eye, I was there in the middle of a bustling metropolitan capitol. It was just as my history textbook had pictured it. There were all the expected tourist attractions; the domed capitol, the large statue in front of the court building, the stately monument reaching upwards, the mall surrounding its reflecting pool. And oh yes, there was a large, pillared mansion behind the guarding fence.

What’s going on here? I silently ponder in my heart. From all indications, this well-known tourist attraction should be alive with the enjoyment of tourists. So, why does it look like a ghost town? What a surprise it was, giving me a personal attack of mixed emotions, that of feeling enslaved versus freedom's call. It actually put my dream on temporary pause.

Nonetheless, from afar off I could tell from a commotion that something was taking place. The entire community was in an uproar of screaming and yelling. The echoes seemed to be coming from the gold domed capitol complex.

I was so distracted by all the tumult surrounding the big domed capital that I failed to see a most unusual character walking up. Where did he come from, why is he here? I wondered?

On second thought, I’d know this distinguished gentleman anywhere. He was appropriately dressed for his day. His demeanor and dress had given him away.

His long brown coat with matching vest, dark trousers, neatly starched white shirt, long socks and leather, buckle-topped shoes was an indication of the times in which he lived. And the bifocal glasses perched on his nose were a dead giveaway as well.

The more I looked on him, the more confirmed my recognition of him became. He had to be one of the Founding Fathers of America, a well-known patriot who possessed many talents in leadership, philosophy, and invention. But why this character was here in my dream and what his intentions might be were clearly beyond my understanding.

He promptly spoke to me as he approached, "You seem to be a bit bewildered."

“In fact, I surely am," I replied. "Who are you, why all the commotion surrounding this big, domed capital?

As if reading my reaction, my wonder was quickly forestalled by the man's approach to it all. Calm wasn’t the word for it. Without saying a word, he grabbed my hand, and we were sitting in the visitor balcony of this capital building, along with many other observers. This had to be an epic occasion for so many dignitaries to be present below.

Looking down, saw a multitude of government officials of all ages and party each mulling over a large official document. What was so strange about this group of dignitaries was that they seemed to be divided in dress, half wearing red business jackets and half wearing blue ones.

Suddenly, the room atmosphere became so still one could have heard a pin drop, even from the balcony. A man had entered, and judging from all his bodyguards, he must have been the leader of the group. He was dressed in blue.

Staggering and stumbling over to the conference table, he began to speak, starting off with a few well-placed gaffes. His special appearance didn’t last long, however. As he began to lose his train of thought, he was quickly whisked off and out of the room, by his staff. What an unusual occasion that was! I was totally carried away by the government officials' mixed emotions, good and bad, caused by the sudden exit of their leader.

Instantly, my new-found friend must have sensed my concern with this all-important gathering. Taking my hand, he spoke as we hurried from the balcony.

“My friend, I see your concern, I share it with you also. Our country is in dire need of the proper leadership. As for this aborted official gathering, I understand from the grape vine that the powers-that-be had intended to force through a number of requested tax increases. Such as taxing the very rich, and a monthly stimulus rebate to the less fortunate of the country, to help ease this unrealistic inflation, including the high gasoline cost. That's all I know about this proposal, for the present. I will continue my research, when I can. I have a more important Constitution to work on.

“Yes. I am concerned kind Sir," I replied. "Please tell me this street gossip isn’t really true. Wait, where are you? Where did you go? Please, don’t do this to me!"

As I looked around, he was gone, but my dream was not. Wait, what is this paper on the floor? The stranger must have forgotten or left it on purpose. If so, it may give me a clue of his visit. I’ll just read it. It surely won’t hurt a thing.

"I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion of the means. I think the best way of doing good to the poor is not making them easy in poverty but leading or driving them out of it. In my youth I traveled much, and I observed in different countries, that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course, became poorer. And, on the contrary, the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became richer. Yours Truly, B.F."

I was somewhat amazed at this writing. I know now, just as I thought, it was surely Benjamin Franklin. Wow, what a dream! But why am I having this dream? Nonetheless, as my dreams have seemed to develop here of late, the most important dream conclusion was left to my imagination. It’s up to me now, to help change this ole world, one vote at a time. Amen!

EPILOGUE

Now I ask you, was this a dream, a vision, or a figment of my semi-conscious? Was it a real-life adventure in the form of a parable? Or was it a little of all? And why did this apparent leader’s physical facilities, his mind become confused? Who was he anyhow?

I do know from Scripture that our living Creator, God, does place both good and evil in power, to affect His eternal will. (Daniel 2:21-22)

I do know our living Creator has confused minds to also affect His will. This was the case of King Nebuchadnezzar. The Lord confounded his mind and he became like a beast, living off the land. When he came to his senses and repented of his over-weening pride, his kingdom was restored. Please read (Daniel 4:31-37).

Yes, God is always in control of His great universe, which He spoke into existence within six days. So don’t give up hope; keep praying for this great land of the free and home of the brave, our republic.

In closing, may I leave you with this excerpt?

According to Dr. James McHenry, one of Maryland's delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, a lady asked Dr. Benjamin Franklin at its conclusion, "Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" Benjamin Franklin replied, "A republic...if you can keep it.“