Vertical News: Scotland Votes 'No' to Independence from the UK

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Scotland Votes 'No' to Independence from the UK

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It was a hotly contested referendum that made headlines around the world, but after the votes were tallied, the pro-union voters in Scotland won, 55 to 45 percent. Scotland will remain a part of the union of four countries, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. However, according to politicians in London, new degrees of self-rule will be pursued for all four, akin to the degree of autonomy enjoyed by states in the United States and Australia, and provinces in Canada (Shawn Pogatchnik and Robert Barr, “Britain Plans Political Upheaval After Scot Vote,” AP News at APNews.MyWay.com, September 19, 2014).

Additionally, the simple fact that a referendum was held has given impetus to other independence movements among tiny European states, including the Basque region in Spain and France, Catalunya in Spain, the Veneto in Italy, and others. One difficulty these tiny places face is the fact that, generally, they have minimal industry with which to support themselves as nation states. Instead, they often serve as tax shelters for the wealthy and large corporations (Alan Clendenning and Joseph Wilson, “Scotland ‘No’ Fails to Stop Catalan Secession Push,” AP News at APNews.MyWay.com, September 19, 2014).

On a historical level, the motivation for seeking autonomy is curious. Many of these regions are heavily subsidized, as Scotland is from its parent government, and they receive extensive state benefits, like healthcare. 

However, recent revolutionary movements seeking to throw off oppression have emerged around the globe, and of particular note were the insurrections in the Middle East. People want change, for better or worse. Sometimes that change, such as in the American Revolution and to some degree, the French revolution, results in an improved form of government. However, many revolutions fail to deliver a higher standard of living or better political process, but instead simply change the names of the players, while leaving the positions and the corruption in roughly the same state.

So, what can we learn?

How might these independence movements apply to our understanding of Biblical prophecy? Jesus Christ, in the book of Luke, explains it this way, “ ‘Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, “A shower is coming”; and so it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say, “There will be hot weather”; and there is. Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?’ ” (Luke 12:54-56, NKJV).

When we see a trend, in this case destabilization of the status quo in governments internationally, we need to consider whether it is simply a periodic inclination of human nature toward change, or something more profound. We know that during the time preceding the return of Jesus Christ there will be governmental upheaval on a grand scale and so our thoughts often turn toward that possibility. We don’t know the day or the hour, but when conditions are right, we will begin to have a clearer picture of the times. The return of Jesus Christ will be unmistakable when it occurs.

So right now, we continue to be watchful, stay alert on what is happening around the world and try to gain more than just a surface understanding of the factors at stake. Above all, we stay obedient to God’s laws and draw close to Him through regular attendance on the Sabbath and Holy Days, Bible study, prayer, fasting and meditation on His word!