by Tim LaHaye
Murphy could see that, by now, even Stephanie Kovacs was taking notes.
“Let me come back to the thoughts about Babylon becoming an economic center. For the past few decades, we have witnessed the rise of what is called the European Union. This is a family of democratic European countries that have banded together for the purpose of peace and prosperity. It was initially made up of only six countries: Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Later they were joined by Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Greece joined the group in 1981, and Spain and Portugal in 1986. They were followed by Austria, Finland, and Sweden. Even more countries have applied for membership. Some have referred to this union as the United States of Europe. The European Union is growing and needs large supplies of oil. For that oil, the member nations are beginning to turn their focus toward the Arab countries.”
Murphy clicked up another slide. “You will notice on this next slide two mottoes, or slogans. Note the difference between them. This has a lot to do with philosophy and focus.”
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
“UNITED WE STAND.”
EUROPEAN UNION
“UNITY IN DIVERSITY.”
“By uniting together, members of the European Union have raised the standard of living for Europeans during the last half century. They have been fostering cooperation among the member nations while still promoting diversity. One of the ways they have united is by the establishment of a new monetary system utilizing what is called the euro. This has strengthened Europe’s voice in the world’s marketplace. In fact, the euro is more stable and valuable than the U.S. dollar. The United States is operating with a $435 billion trade deficit; the European Union, however, can boast a $26 billion trade surplus. Together the member nations have a fourteen percent larger economy than the United States. The next slide shows what has already been established by the European Union.”
European Union
European Parliament
Council of tie European Union
European Commission
Court of Justice
Court of Auditors
European Economic and Social Committee
Committee of the Regions
European Central Bank
European Ombudsman
European Investment Bank
Europe Day—May 9
“The motto ‘Unity in Diversity’ is symbolized by a woman riding the back of a large bull. She is holding a flag with ten stars in a circle. The ten stars represent the original ten countries that founded the union. Also riding on the back of the bull are smaller people all waving the flags of the various member nations.”
“What does that symbolize?” Don West asked.
“It comes from Greek mythology, Don. According to the legend, Mother Earth and Father Heaven had two children named Cronus and Rhea. Cronus and Rhea produced a son by the name of Zeus. As the story goes, Zeus was watching a young maiden named Europa playing and talking with her girlfriends.”
“It doesn’t sound like much has changed,” said Clayton Anderson. “We’re still watching the girls.”
The students whistled and catcalled.
“I guess you’re the expert, Clayton,” Murphy replied, to the amusement of the class.
“If I may continue. Cupid shot one of his arrows into Zeus, and he fell in love with Europa. He transformed himself into a handsome bull of chestnut color with a silver circle on his brow and horns like a crescent moon. Europa and her girlfriends walked up to the bull and petted it. Europa said, ‘I bet I could ride the creature. It looks so calm and gentle.’ That was her mistake. When she sat on the bull, it got up and ran across the ocean. Europa held on for dear life. Later Zeus married Europa, and they lived on the island of Crete. Their sons became very famous and powerful. Although their names are forgotten, hers is not. It is believed that the continent of Europe was named after Europa. The maiden riding a beast is a reminder of Zeus and Europa. It foreshadows the birth of a continent that will become very famous, powerful, and influential.”
As Murphy punched up the next slide, the bell rang. “Hold on a minute, gang. I want to give you a reading assignment for the next session.”
There were audible groans from all over the lecture hall.
“I want you to read Chapter Two of the Book of Daniel. It talks about Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a large statue. I think it will help to clarify some issues about the European Union and coming future events.”
TWENTY
AS THE STUDENTS were making their way out of the lecture hall, Stephanie Kovacs walked down the steps to the platform where Murphy was putting away his notes.
“Good morning, Stephanie. I was surprised to see you again.”
“I was still in town, Dr. Murphy, and I thought I’d catch your lecture again. I enjoyed it. You have some thought-provoking ideas. Do you really think that Babylon will develop into an economic and cultural center?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. I think it will rise to prominence once again as part of fulfilling the various prophecies in the Bible.”
“I’m afraid that I’m not well versed in the Bible, let alone in any prophecies. Can you give me an example of what you are talking about?”
Murphy reached into his briefcase and pulled out his Bible. “Let me read you a passage from the Book of Revelation—Chapter Eighteen, beginning at Verse Nine. It’s talking about how people around the world will mourn the fall of Babylon.
“The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, Alas, the great city of Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’ And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object and most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.’ Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying ‘What is like this great city?’
“This prophecy was written by the Apostle John in A.D. 95 after Babylon had already fallen into ruins. He was talking about a future destruction that will come to pass. This is especially interesting since Saddam started the rebuilding of Babylon.”
“I was fascinated by the symbol of the woman riding the bull as a symbol of the European Union. Do you have any other information about that?”
“Why don’t you come to my next lecture and find out?”
“I wish I could, but I’ll be out of town,” Kovacs responded.
“Well, let’s go over to the student center and get a cup of coffee, and I’ll fill you in. Do you have the time?”
“Sure.” Maybe this time Ml be able to tell him.
Kovacs took a sip of coffee and looked around at the students sitting at tables, laughing and flirting with each other. Those were innocent days. How I wish I could return to them.
“Where would you like to begin?” Murphy asked.
“Do you mind if I take a few notes?”
“Be my guest.”
“Tell me about this statue. I don’t understand it.”
“Well, it started when King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream about
a large statue that had a head of gold, a chest of silver, a body of bronze, legs of iron, and feet of iron and clay mixed together. He couldn’t understand this image.”
“Neither do I.”
“Daniel informed the king that the golden head represented his kingdom and power. The chest and arms of silver stood for the kingdom that was to follow Nebuchadnezzar’s. It wouldn’t be as strong and influential as his was. That was the Medo-Persian Empire. It would be followed by the Greek Empire, represented by the bronze body. The two legs of iron stood for the Roman Empire, which broke into two sections. The feet of iron and clay mixed together illustrated ten kingdoms that were to come.”
“Nebuchadnezzar must have had a bad pizza that night.”
Murphy laughed and nodded. “Many Bible scholars believe that the ten toes of the image represent ten kingdoms of the revived Roman Empire. They think that they will arise out of the European Union.”
“Didn’t you mention that there were more than ten countries in the European Union?”
“Yes, there are more right now. Many people feel that there are other possibilities as to what those ten toes represent. Some think that there will eventually be a merging of several countries together. Others think that the ten toes represent ten regions of world commerce. That’s probably the most plausible explanation.”
“By regions, what do you mean?” Kovacs got her pen ready.
“It has been suggested that the regions are Europe, the Far East, the Mideast, North America, South America, South Asia, Central Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Southern Africa, and Central Africa. Of course, only time will tell. But right now, we can see the rise of Europe. It’s becoming more and more powerful and is beginning to have a stronger voice in world affairs.”
“I’ve heard it said that what the world needs is a world leader. Someone who can bring about peace. Do you believe that this will one day happen?”
“Most certainly! The Bible calls him the Anti-Christ. Some people think he may be alive today. He’ll unite the nations at first and seem to bring about peace. However, that’s just a ploy. He’ll soon become a dictator and take control economically, socially, and spiritually.”
“You mean like a Hitler or Stalin, or Mao Zedong?”
“I think he’ll be much worse,” Murphy said soberly. “The Bible also talks about a rapture, where the believers in God are taken out of the world before a final world war called the battle of Armageddon. Those who don’t believe in God will be left behind to go through a period of great tribulation.”
“Yes, I’ve heard that discussed before. It all sounds pretty scary,” Kovacs replied. “And pretty unbelievable. Like a novel.”
“It doesn’t have to be,” Murphy told her.
“What do you mean?” Kovacs looked puzzled.
“Well, people don’t have to be left behind. All they need to do is ask Christ to come into their lives and change them from the inside out.
“Stephanie, do you remember the last time we talked, I used an illustration about a kite and how God speaks to us through our conscience and through the Bible? Another illustration comes out of the Book of Revelation. It is found in the third chapter and the twentieth verse. It says, ‘Look! I have been standing at the door, and I am constantly knocking. If anyone hears me calling him and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him and he with me.’
“It’s a picture of Christ standing at the door of your heart. He would like to come in, but He’s a gentleman. He won’t force His way in. He just patiently knocks and waits for the door to open. He keeps calling and hoping that His still small voice will be heard. He knocks at everyone’s heart’s door. It is sort of like the pull of the string on the kite. Stephanie, do you hear Him knocking at your heart’s door?” Murphy stopped talking.
Kovacs waited a minute before she said, “I’m afraid, Dr. Murphy.”
“Afraid of what, Stephanie?”
“Afraid of the changes I would have to make in my lifestyle.”
Murphy nodded. “I know. It may not be easy, but God will give you the strength.”
“I’m still scared. I don’t think I’m ready for that.”
“That’s okay. God has plenty of time. You can open your heart’s door to Him when you are ready. It doesn’t have to be in a church or with anyone else present. You can do it when you are all alone. All you have to do is pray a little prayer to Him. Something like this: ‘God, I realize that I am a sinner and I have done wrong. I believe that You died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead to create a new life for me. I would like to experience that new life. Please forgive me. I want to follow You. Please change my life. Please help me to learn to live for You. Thank You for doing this for me. Amen.’”
Stephanie was staring off into space.
“Let me write out a verse for you that I’ve found helpful. You can memorize it.” Murphy wrote out the verse and handed it to Kovacs. They talked about it for a few minutes, then Don West came up to their table.
“Excuse me, Dr. Murphy. I saw Shari Nelson a few minutes ago. She said if I saw you around campus to let you know that you had an important message in your office.”
“Thank you, Don.”
Murphy turned back to Stephanie. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I should attend to this message. Shari doesn’t track me down unless it’s something urgent.”
“Sure, I understand. Maybe we could continue this conversation at another time.” Why do we keep getting interrupted just when I’m going to talk to Dr. Murphy about the danger he is in? It’s almost like some force is fighting against me.
Stephanie sat there watching Murphy walk away. She then looked at the verse he had written down for her.
I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.
Philippians 4:12-13
TWENTY-ONE
“BOY, YOU’RE IN TROUBLE NOW!” Shari said with a smirk as Murphy entered the office.
Murphy chuckled. With that smirk on her face and her black pigtails, she was a sight to behold. Shari definitely had her own unique style. “Trouble?”
“There’s a note on your desk. Dean Archer Fallworth wants to see you in his office at eleven A.M. He sounded a little upset on the phone.”
“Do you know what it’s about?”
“He didn’t say. All he wanted me to do was to make sure that you got the message. He’s probably jealous that so many students are taking your class in biblical archaeology. I think he’s wound a little too tight.”
Murphy could feel his stomach tightening as he approached Fallworth’s office in the arts and science building. Their working relationship had not been an easy one.
I wonder what he’s going to complain about this time.
Fallworth glanced up from his desk as Murphy entered. Fallworth’s hand trembled slightly as he tried to keep his facial expression under control. “I want to talk to you about your class,” he said curtly. “I understand that you are pushing religion on your students again.”
Murphy could feel his temper beginning to simmer. “I’m not quite sure if I understand what you mean. I am teaching a course in biblical archaeology, and we discuss religious topics in the process. It’s part of the curriculum.”
“My sources suggest that you are using your course to push your one-sided views about Christianity. I understand that you are talking against Arabs and putting down other religions.”
“I don’t know where you are getting your information, Archer. But it’s wrong. I share facts and details about many forms of ancient worship from Babylonian gods, to Greek mythology, to Christianity. The students are presented with information and its relationship to archaeology and history. I haven’t put down anyone.”
“Don’t you talk about Christianity more than the other religions?”
“O
f course I do, Archer. It’s a course in biblical archaeology.”
“I think that you’re coming across bigoted and intolerant of other people’s views.”
“Wait a minute!” Both of Murphy’s feet were firmly planted on the floor and he was leaning forward. “Just how do you define tolerance?”
Murphy could see Fallworth’s neck beginning to get red. “Tolerance is respecting other people’s viewpoints and holding them on an equal level with your viewpoints. You should give them equal time to share their concepts and not be judgmental of someone else’s beliefs or behaviors.”
“That sounds good and politically correct, Archer, but that’s not what tolerance means according to the dictionary Part of what you’re saying is true. Yes, we should respect the right of other people to believe what they desire. Not everyone believes the same thing. But I don’t have to put what another person believes on the same level as what I believe. That would make truth relative and not absolute.”
“Truth is relative.”
“Is it really? If an Arab terrorist, or a Russian terrorist, or a terrorist from any country blows up innocent children in a school—you’re saying that I should hold his beliefs, values, and behaviors on the same level as mine, when I think life is sacred? And because I don’t hold and endorse his beliefs on the same level, I’m judgmental and intolerant? That’s not how it works.”
“That’s a good example of what I mean. Look at what you’ve just done. You have racially profiled terrorists. I think that you’re phobic against Arabs and Russians!”