... and it's already starting ... By Kai Mester

Nothing has divided society and also the Adventist Churches, families and work colleagues - since my baptism of faith in 1984 at the age of 14 - like the Corona crisis. The opinions on the virus, the mask, the lockdown, the test, the Corona app, vaccination, the vaccination card, etc. are diverse and increasingly difficult to bridge.

But one piece of news has the potential to turn the tide: compulsory vaccination. Experts in prophecy (whether vaccinated or not) have long noticed that global and digital surveillance structures are being created here, which limit the purchase and sale of individuals if they do not meet certain criteria. No system in the past was capable of such tight control.

The Apocalypse of John foretold in chapter 13 that such a system would be used globally to persecute a sizeable minority of people. While opinions differ as to whether vaccination is just a catalyst on the road to this final stand-off, or part of it, one thing is clear:

Such a system cannot be desired by anyone who loves the freedoms for which martyrs and freedom fighters even gave their lives: freedom of opinion, belief and thought, occupation, travel, emigration, the press, speech, conscience, freedom of assembly etc.

I have a dream: that we will recognize the chains of bondage, which one could only break with great difficulty and after a terribly long struggle, for what they are. Countries like China, with its social point system and re-education camps, show us how totalitarian and progressive the world can be at the same time.

I have a dream that the division will be overcome among all who value these ideals of freedom and do not wish to sacrifice them for apparent security. How encouraging it is that a German national association of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has written this matter to its prime minister and all members of the state legislature. How encouraging that suddenly the vaccinated and the unvaccinated are coming together in prayer to pray for our freedoms to be preserved so that the good news of Jesus' return reaches a maximum of people with enough time for a change of heart and character preparation.

There are also different ideas about what should be done apart from prayer: demonstrations, walks, petitions, personal talks, education. No matter how much non-violent resistance one wants to put up, some refuse vaccination, even if it means losing their jobs, paying fines or having to go to prison for a while. Others only refuse the digital Corona app. Still others have no trouble with this because they already feel transparent, but would be willing to support the unvaccinated in their difficult situation, just as the Dutch ten Boom family did in a completely different context at the time. This can also include changes to a lifestyle that is more independent of the system. And so much more. Quite a few have already moved to the countryside or even emigrated, while others are preparing to do so.

I have a dream that Jesus' prayer to God will come true for us: »I ask not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they are all one. As you, Father, are in me and I in you, so should they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you sent me. And I gave them the glory that you gave me, that they might be one as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they might be perfectly one, and that the world might know that you sent me and love her as you love me.« (John 17,20:23-XNUMX)

I have a dream that the subject of freedom of conscience will lead Jesus disciples and Advent believers to a unity that has never existed before, even beyond church barriers. The Loud Cry will swell as Bible end-time prophecy becomes more clearly fulfilled. The latter rain is being poured out in grand style. Joel says: over all flesh, including male and female servants (Joel 3,1.2:XNUMX). May we be among those who prophesy, have dreams, and see visions as a result.

I have a dream that every valley will be exalted and every mountain and hill will be brought down. The rough shall be made even and the crooked straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together (Isaiah 40,4.5:XNUMX). Let us declare spiritual warfare against the pride in our hearts and close ranks!