Thus in only ten years these eight great powers spent over seven and one-half billion dollars on their navies.
“The immense armies maintained by European countries have come to be a terrific drain upon their respective nations.”—Nelson's Encyclopedia, article “Army.”
15. While making these war preparations, what are men saying?
“They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of My people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.” Jer. 6:14.
Note.—Every one conversant with existing conditions in the world today knows this is true. While the message of peace is being proclaimed, the nations are arming as never before; wars are in progress almost continually; international complications are constantly arising; and a world war is feared as imminent, and constantly looming in sight. The world today is a vast armed camp.
16. But does not the Bible say that the heathen are to be given to the Lord for an inheritance?
“Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession.” Ps. 2:8.
17. What will the Lord do with them?
“Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.” Verse 9. “And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the wine-press of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” Rev. 19:15.
Note.—How suddenly surprised those who have been preaching peace and safety will be when the end comes is indicated in the text already quoted: “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them.” 1 Thess. 5:2, 3. All heedless of the signs of the times, and indifferent to the future, the world will come up to the day of the Lord unprepared. As a thief in the night, coming with stealthy, muffled tread, this day will take all unawares who are not looking, watching, and waiting for their Lord's return. Instead of looking for the world's conversion, we should be looking for Christ's coming.