I was a child in elementary school during the early years of the Cold War. The number-one enemy of the U.S. was the Soviet Union, or Russia, as we referred to them. There was much to be feared. I remember the threat of nuclear war and what we did to practice in the event of such an attack. There were buildings identified as fall-out shelters and periodically we would practice the bomb drills by getting under our school desks and covering our heads.
Fortunately, I have lived long enough to see the collapse of the former Soviet Union. That, in itself, would have seemed impossible during my childhood. However, Communism remains a world power and the threat of nuclear war is still very real.
One thing that I remember from those early childhood discussions is the training of young Soviet children to believe in the government instead of GOD. We were told stories about the children in the Soviet schools. While they were hungry, they were instructed to call on GOD to deliver food for them. After multiple attempts, they would then call on the Soviet leader, the door would open and a feast would appear. Now, I don’t know if this really happened or not, but it struck a nerve with me.
I do know that any such change in society would be aimed at the youth. There is little reason to try to win the hearts of the older generation. Just indoctrinate the youth and, within a few short years, the entire culture will change. Let us ever be on guard for the sake of America and the souls of our children.
During the last part of the first century, GOD’S people were facing severe persecutions. Among other things, they were being asked to bow down before the Roman Emperor and acknowledge him as god. Refusal to do so meant death. In some ways, this is the adult version of the Soviet children’s story. John’s vision gave hope to those believers. In Revelation 6:9 – 11, he saw the souls of those martyrs who had refused and given their life for the Cause. He saw them alive in heaven. This would have given hope to those who were facing similar circumstances. They were to be faithful until, and including, death, and the reward was promised to them (Revelation 2:10). It would also give hope to those who had witnessed their loved ones dying. John assured them that their loved ones did not cease to exist when they died, but were alive and reaping the rewards for faithful service.
I don’t know what the future holds for our country or for our citizens. But I do know this: the best is yet to come for the faithful Christian!