"Repeating History"

Press, 25 September 1978, Page 12

"Repeating History"

There are 38 water miracles high-lighted in the Bible and they span from the creation of waters (Job 38: 8-30) to the future drying up of the river Euphrates (Rev. 16:12). It is certain that unless the Nations pull together Samuel Coleridge's rhyme, "Water, water, everywhere, but not a drop to drink," may well become a horrible fact because of pollution. I remember seeing the growing evidence of this fact by observing "Spring — Taste Water" vending machines in Supermarket car parks in the U.S.A. We take water for granted and lavishly use it as though we were dipping from an inexhaustible source. Little do we realize

how much fresh water is needed just to produce the foods and materials we enjoy everyday. As an example, a single corn plant requires as much as 50 gallons of fresh water during its growing season. 1 kilo of Wheat — 60 gallons, 1 kilo of Rice — 400 gallons, 1 kilogram of meat - 12,000 gallons, and a quart of milk 1,000 gallons. On the industrial side to produce one motor-car 100,000 gallons of water is required. Where is all the fresh water going to come from? Of all the water on earth 97% is salt water. This leaves 3% which is fresh water. But of this 3%, 98% or 2.94% is tied up in the ice caps. This leaves only .06% which is the fresh water we have

available for our use! Because the oceans of the world are fast becoming one gigantic septic tank in which poisonous wastes are accumulating at rates that are alarming, an international effort is being planned to identify the most dangerous changes before it is too late. Recently the first New Zealand woman to swim the English Channel complained of the filth she had to contend with. Fresh water is becoming a very precious commodity, in many areas of the world people paying 5c a glass being quite common. The Bible tells of a time when even the Pharaoh of Egypt could not purchase a glass of water. He had hardened his heart against God's wish to let Israel His people go from

Egypt, to "Serve the Living God." The Nile worshipped by the Egyptians was called, "The Father of Life" and "The Father of the Gods.” And God spoke to Moses. Say to Aaron, "take thy Rod and stretch out your hand upon the waters, streams, rivers, ponds, pools and all vessels in the

home and all became blood." The Egyptians abhorred blood but their horror was intensified as the fish in the rivers died and their sacred river stank. The plague lasted 7 days. Thirst would make many realize the power of the Creator over His creation that they wrongly worshipped. But you might say that is all

past history. But God has also said that in the last days plagues not seen on the earth since Moses time will be visited upon the earth again. "And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man; and every living soul died in the sea." —

"And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters became blood." (Rev. 16: 3,4). As a Nation are we not like Egypt of old worshipping creation rather than God The Creator? Yes, .06% is the thread that holds our life together. Imagine what will happen when that is removed.