September 24, 2021
He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints of the Most High shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. But the court shall be seated and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it forever. Then the kingdom and dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him. Daniel 7:25-27
From the beginning of the world, there has never been a time that it was left without living witnesses. Even though the church of the Middle Ages withheld the Scriptures from the people, our faithful God had a people prepared who lived in the shadows. Possession of the Bible was a criminal offense, punishable by death. In the very land where popery had enthroned itself stood a steadfast people who resisted the encroachments of the corrupted church upon freedom of conscience. The Waldenses held to a faith inherited from their fathers, as they were among the very first people of Europe to possess a translation of the Word of God. They were committed to guard the treasures of truth contained therein. They contended for the faith of the apostolic church by maintaining the infallibility of God’s Word while rejecting image worship as idolatry and honoring the true Sabbath as the day of rest and worship.
Only in fleeing the power of Rome could they continue a life of obedience to God in peace. In the Alps they found sanctuary and refuge. Surrounded by the majestic grandeur of the mountains, they were constantly reminded of God’s creative power and of His protection. They rejoiced in their freedom to worship before Him. When pursued by their enemies, the rugged terrain and rocky crags often proved a sure defense, for they knew the terrain thoroughly. Being followers of Christ and His principles of truth were valued above houses and lands, friends, kindred, even life itself. And even though the persecution of papal Rome often meant death for self, family and friends, they knew that no action of cruel men could blot out even one of His promises to those who love Him and desire do His will. Praise the Almighty for empowering His faithful followers to endure to the end!
Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand, two hundred and sixty days……the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. Revelation 12:6,14