Recent history is much the same as ancient history. With the fall from power of "Baby Doc" Duvalier and then Marcos, we have a repeat of the change of heads of states that really makes up much of the history of this world. Although changes must come and do come. yet there seems to be some special reason for the deposing of some dictators.
Avarice is defined as-greed for money. God's Word tells us, "The love of money is the [a] root of all evil." 1 Tim. 6:10. Evidence is clear that not only the two above mentioned, but also Trujillo of the Dominican Republic and Samoza of Nicaragua were guilty of avarice. They were greedy and covetous. This contributed much to their downfall. Certainly each of these men did some good for their countries but they lost their high position. Is there a lesson for us to learn from these things? Surely there is.
Daniel said to Nebuchadnezzar, "Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls Of the heaven hath He given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them ail." Dan. 2:37, 38. Later this same, most powerful king had to learn that, "the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will." Dan. 4:17.
Pride led to the downfall of Nebuchadnezzar. "The kingdom is departed from thee." was said to him by a voice from heaven. The voice came while these words were still in his mouth: "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?" Dan. 4:30.
Let us each remember that all that we have has been given to us by God. John the Baptist said, "A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven." John 3:27. "My power, my majesty," said Nebuchadnezzar. Trujillo, Samoza, Marcos and Duvalier each claimed much for themselves and surely appropriated much to themselves in an unjust manner. "The Spirit of the Lord spake by me [David]... He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God." 2 Sam. 23:2, 3.
The earth awaits the coming of "the Holy One and the Just." Acts 3:14. The Lord God will give Him the crown. Meanwhile, it is written, "I will overturn, overturn, overturn it: and it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and I will give it Him." Ezek. 21:27.
The kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ are mentioned in Rev. 1:9. Also, Paul charged the Corinthians with trying to reign ahead of time. (1 Cor. 4:8) Since Christ is waiting in patience to receive His rights in connection with the earth, surely we should also be patient. Ed.