I’m sure that at one time or another most of us have studied Daniel 2 and in particular Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. However, in the light of our current politics, it seems to me that there has rarely been a time when this has been of more relevance. I am writing, of course, about the forthcoming referendum concerning Britain’s continuing membership of the European Union.
I have never been overly involved in politics, other than to voice Christian concern at the continuing stream of ungodly laws passed by successive governments. Certainly I have never been one to speak out on my own political views from the pulpit, unless of course, talking about “the” government to which there will be no end. But it seems to me that I am unable to avoid speaking out on this particular issue, as I am firmly of the view that no blood bought, born again, Spirit filled follower of the Lord Jesus, should vote in favour or our continuing involvement with the European Union.
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream was of a great image, whose splendor was excellent. This image’s head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron and its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. Each section of the image and the material that particular section was made from, represents a kingdom of man. Of the five sections mentioned and the kingdoms these represent, most commentators agree that the first four at least are past. These kingdoms being Babylon, the Medes and Persians, Ancient Greece and Rome.
Of the feet of iron and clay the final kingdom of man before that of the stone cut without hands, there are different views and opinions. I realise that not all will agree with me, however, I would contend that in regard to the legs, that if iron is used as being representative of Rome, then it stands to reason that the iron mixed with clay in the feet is, at least in part, Rome also. Whether this is a revived Roman Empire of sorts, be it the Holy Roman Empire, or even the European Union, the forerunner to which, was the European Economic Community established under the Treaty of Rome, is in some respect academic in regard to this article. Because what really interests me, is that without question, (because the word of God given by Daniel tells us so) the head of the great image made from gold, represents Babylon. Babylon the spirit of which is at the source of every false religion and at the heart of lost man’s worldly trade and commerce (Revelation 17 & 18).
This is where I make the separation between politics and spiritual leadership as ministerial members of CMFI, because this is not simply an issue of whether on face value, one agrees that “we” shall be better or worse off remaining in the “common market” – although it is not too much of a stretch of the imagination to foresee how this may lead to the mark of the beast, but rather understanding that the spirit behind the EU is none other than Babylon – and no follower of the Lord Jesus should support it. That spirit behind the EU is that of Babylon, the EU has never tried to disguise, moreover in overtly advertising the fact it mocks those who are unaware of the times in which we live.
Although not so much a doctrinal article, and most probably nothing new to you, I do hope that this is a timely reminder of such things. That we who are aware of the times in which we are living, may take the opportunity to consider the issues and if appropriate distance ourselves against anything which exalts itself against God. For “If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives the mark on his forehead or his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation”. (Revelation 14: 9 – 10).
Should we continue to participate in anything to do with Babylon? “And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.” (Revelation 18: 4 – 5 the fall of Babylon the Great).
And above all things, remember, that the end of the kingdoms of man will be when the stone cut without hands, shall strike the image of Nebuchadnezzar on the feet and break them to pieces. “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. In as much as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.” (Daniel 2: 44 – 45). Even so, come Lord Jesus.