Backpacking around Europe the summer of 1973, the Berlin Wall remains etched in my memory. Acres of concrete 'no man's land,' and the armed guards gave the impression of invincibility. Communism was here to stay. We believed Khrushchev's threat delivered in the UN: "We will crush you!" and strengthened our defences. The Cold War prompted my father-in-law to build a bomb shelter in northern Alberta. Just sixteen years later the Soviet Empire collapsed.

Today there is growing anxiety about Christianity's survival in Europe. With 50 million Muslims now living in Europe, countries like Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, and France have reacted, tightening immigration policies. Secular humanism reigns in government and education. A British editorialist laments: "The British, a formerly religious people, have entirely forsaken organized Christianity in a sudden plunge into a truly secular condition... It feels as if the soul of Britain is dying,"

Ezekiel's vision is a timely reminder that God is still on his throne. The Israelites were in exile, wondering if God had abandoned them, if the Babylonian gods were more powerful than their God. Surveying the spiritual landscape of Europe, we may wonder if God has 'left the building.' Marxism, Islam, secular humanism, just like every other kingdom and empire before it not grounded on God's word, is doomed to fail. Do we believe it?

Prayer: Lord, you are King of kings and Lord of lords, the Lord of history. Strengthen my faith and enable me to see where you are at work in the world, so that I may bring encouragement to others, especially those who are discouraged or fearful, confident that you are establishing your kingdom on earth, even as you reign in heaven.