Europe's Wobbly Present

These are trying days for the European Union. The fiscal troubles of Greece cast doubt on the future of the economic union so carefully forged over several decades. If Greece defaults on its high debt, the future of the euro as a currency and the present viability of the EU is at stake. Reports today indicate that Germany is close to offering a bailout to Greece. Germany has the resources to do this, but it would come with a price. That price would be a stronger voice and role for Germany in EU fiscal and political affairs.

This comes as the EU is still trying to figure out who leads and speaks for the union. The new EU president, Herman Van Rompuy, has yet to exert a strong role in this new position. It is so bad that U.S. President Barack Obama has decided not to attend a May European summit in part because of uncertainty over who is the real leader of the EU.

World News and Prophecy carries regular articles on Europe. We believe Europe will play a key role in Bible prophecy. The book of Revelation shows a coming combine of political and religious power to rise in Europe and dominate the world scene prior to the second coming of Jesus Christ. We follow a long tradition of such teaching that stretches back to World War II when Europe lay shattered after six years of war. The biblical scenario seemed far-fetched then.

Europe is much closer to uniting than any could have believed then. But even now Europe is very secular, nonreligious and beset with demographic problems that frankly cause many to wonder if it can be a major player in world affairs. On the surface it can appear as if we are looking at the wrong area. But we don't think so, and right now there is perhaps a more important question for you to consider.

Why do you need to understand this? Why understand the history and present role of Europe? What difference does it make to your life?

It matters because your Savior, Jesus Christ, tells us to understand the events of our times. World-changing events are prophesied in the years ahead. A great time of world deception will occur. God, in His mercy, always sends warnings in advance of such times and the wise will take heed.

The headlines of today fit into a larger picture that you can understand from the Bible. Bible prophecy is given to motivate us to change our lives—our behavior—to that of godly righteousness. Look at what God tells us.

"Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

"'Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.'

"And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon" (Revelation 16:12-16).

"Blessed is he who watches..." Jesus Christ tells us. He is saying to us today to understand our world and our times. There is more going on than what is happening in your neighborhood and mine. There is a big story going on, and it has spiritual dimensions. There is more happening in this world than meets the human eye.

God is in charge of His plan as it unfolds in this world. He is bringing His Kingdom of righteousness to this world, and you can have the advance understanding that will make dramatic changes for your daily life. You can get your life in alignment with the Kingdom of God today. This passage is saying you can live a successful, abundant life in the midst of a world moving toward a crisis point.

The key is found in your Bible, and the prophecies serve to enlighten and motivate us to reality. Henry David Thoreau once said that most "lead lives of quiet desperation." That is not what God intends!

We speak of prophecy, but not as something to use as a scare tactic. When we speak of events transpiring in Europe or the Middle East, it is to inform and motivate you to see reality and turn to God. This is the whole intent of Bible prophecy.

Europe will go through many more changes before its "dream" and destiny will appear. Much will have to happen to the role of the United States in world affairs—which is another part of the story.