Einstein’s letter ∙
The LORD answered me: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. – Habakkuk 2:2
Matthew 24:14-36
14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world so that all nations will hear it, and then the end will come.
15 The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about– the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.
16 Then those in Judea must flee to the hills.
21 For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again.
22 In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones.
36 However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.
On August 2, 1939, Albert Einstein penned a letter of monumental importance to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a document that would echo through the corridors of history. With a sense of urgency, Einstein alerted Roosevelt to the ominous ambitions of Nazi Germany. It intended to develop an incredible new weapon of mass destruction – the atomic bomb.
Einstein’s letter opened with a revelation: “The element uranium may be turned into a new and important source of energy in the immediate future. Certain aspects of the situation which has arisen seem to call for watchfulness and, if necessary, quick action on the part of the Administration. I believe therefore, that it is my duty to bring to your attention the following facts and recommendations.”
“It may be possible to set up a nuclear chain reaction in a large mass of uranium, by which vast amounts of power and large quantities of new radium-like elements would be generated. Now it appears almost certain that this could be achieved in the immediate future.”
The letter painted a chilling vision of a possible future: “This new phenomenon would also lead to the construction of bombs, and it is conceivable, though much less certain, that extremely powerful bombs of this type may thus be constructed. A single bomb of this type, carried by boat and exploded in a port, might very well destroy the whole port together with some of the surrounding territory.” The gravity of these words underscored the peril that loomed on the horizon.
To counter this threat, Einstein recommended the formation of a dedicated task force. He emphasized the critical need to secure a supply of uranium ore for the United States and accelerate experimental research. Thus, with the stroke of a pen, Einstein’s letter ignited the dawn of the atomic age, setting in motion a series of events that would forever alter the course of human history.
This moment in history serves as a poignant reminder of the power of timely warnings. Throughout the ages, warnings have been issued to prepare and protect against impending dangers. In biblical times, the Lord Jesus Christ cautioned the Jewish people in Jerusalem of the coming trials and urged them to be ready and seek refuge (Matthew 24:14-36). These warnings, whether from a physicist or a prophet, underscore the enduring importance of foresight and preparedness in the face of potential calamity.
REFLECT & PRAY
“When you behold the glory of God and believe the Word of God, it gives you faith to accept the will of God” (Wiersbe).
Father, grant us the wisdom to discern the signs of our times and heed Your warning messages. Encourage and strengthen us to stand firm, not shrinking back in fear, but boldly do Your will. May we faithfully and clearly warn others of the wrath to come.
INSIGHT
Habakkuk was a worried watchman on the walls of Jerusalem. He fretted and anticipated the worst.
“In ancient days, the watchmen were responsible to warn the city of approaching danger, and if they weren’t faithful, their hands would be stained with the blood of the people who died (Ezekiel 3:17-21; 33:1-3). It was a serious responsibility” (Wiersbe).
Habakkuk was deeply troubled by the rebellion and disobedience of the people of Judah, which weighed heavily on his heart. He was deeply grieved. He became preoccupied with it and complained to the Father, wondering what He would do about it. Habakkuk waited for an answer. The Father’s response came in the form of a vision and precise instructions on how to convey a critical message to the people.
God’s message to Habakkuk was clear: He warned the people of Judah of the coming Babylonian invasion. The Father’s message to Habakkuk could be encapsulated in one phrase: read and run.
Habakkuk 2:2 The LORD answered me: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.
The Father’s directive had two key elements. Habakkuk was to write the message clearly and legibly on tablets, ensuring that its meaning was unmistakable and easily understood by all who saw it. What did the tablets say? The precise answer is unknown. However, the message needed to be prominently displayed, akin to a massive billboard along a bustling highway, alerting everyone to the imminent danger: “The Babylonians are coming, The Babylonians are coming!”
What should the people do? They should run! They should take their families and whatever possessions they could carry and quickly depart.
The Hebrew word ‘ruts,’ translated as “run,” captures this urgency. Ruts may also be translated as dash to and fro, move quickly, dart about, hurry, or run away. The message was a dire warning of the judgment to come, urging the people to flee for their lives as the Babylonians approached.
The Father’s specific answer to Habakkuk’s plea transformed his worry into worship. The prophetic vision not only foresaw the Babylonian invasion but also pointed to the eventual coming of God to dispense justice and make all things right (Habakkuk 2, 3:3-15). This revelation reassured Habakkuk, turning his concern into faith and reverence.
This changed everything for Habakkuk. His worries were gone, and he readily surrendered to the Father’s plan.
When Einstein spoke, President Roosevelt listened. Einstein’s warning was taken to heart, and the Manhattan Project was launched. This decisive action underscores the profound impact of heeding cautionary advice.
Similarly, when Habakkuk spoke and delivered his warning, the wise move was to listen and take immediate steps to escape the impending danger. His message was a call to action, urging people to respond with haste and earnestness.
All children of the King are entrusted with the solemn responsibility of watchmen. The word of God tells us that danger is coming. It is incumbent upon us to raise the alarm, urging others to “flee from the wrath to come” (Matthew 3:7).
This sacred duty demands constant vigilance and preparedness. It beckons us to be alert and discern the signs of the times. What will be your response? Will you fulfill your role as a watchman?
1 Thessalonians 5:5-6
5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.
6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.
¯_(ツ)_/¯2-05-1
© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 