PROPHECIES OF TRAGEDY: HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM

 

I continue to wrestle with this verse and many others like it in the books of Daniel and Revelation:

• The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever, saying, “It will be for a time, times and half a time. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed.” (Daniel 12:7)

How do we cope with the fact that we will be broken? I scream, fume, and lament even though we will eventually be given an everlasting kingdom.

Perhaps a question of even greater interest is how Israel was able to cope with the many horrific prophecies concerning themselves. Why is it that they hung in there with their God despite the almost ubiquitous put-downs? Why is it that they preserved such degrading and terrifying prophecies in their canon of Scripture?

While other religious literature is filled with commendations towards its followers, even to the point of esteeming them as superior people, the Bible never descends to these depths. Why not? The Bible evidently didn't originate with man and from human motivations!

Why did Israel put up with God's many damning assessments? (It is easy to understand why people cling to a religion that tells them, "You're the best!") Evidently, Israel was convinced that these threatening prophecies came from God and not from man!