A Warning to the

Elders of Finland's Congregations

from the book YHWH Is Calling

Though we Finns still have reason to rejoice in the independent nation we gained through God's miracles and its beautiful and significant form, there is no room left for pride or spiritual blindness. In my autumn writing available on the website, I described a message I received from the Lord last summer, highlighting how the Finnish people, the nation's leadership, and the national church have fallen into a serious state of apostasy over the past decades. While we may still shine outwardly, ranking at the top of international headlines in matters measured by worldly standards, the true state of our nation, according to God’s measures of testing, already mirrors the condition that led to the punishment of the ancient northern kingdom of Israel.

Although the outward appearance of a nation can easily be made to shine in the headlines of media largely controlled by the power of money, beneath the surface lie many issues—some already visible and some skillfully hidden—that provoke the Lord’s wrath. This was the case in ancient Ephraim as well. When apostasy advances far enough, the injustices are no longer exposed; instead, they are cleverly concealed (through media manipulation, censorship, etc.). During the past few years, the level of apostasy seems to have only deepened in our beloved homeland.

Above all, God watches closely how righteousness is upheld and justice is carried out within a nation.

I have received a prompting from the Lord to address the issues in the Finnish nation that fulfill the measures of Ephraim’s apostasy in one more highly specific and concrete message (the message 'Turn Back, Finland! Nations, Look and Hark!'). This message will be written as the final warning to the Finnish nation and, at the same time, as documented evidence before the Lord when He begins to bring judgment upon the Finnish nation. After that message, it should be clear to everyone in Finland why punishments may soon come if repentance is not made as a nation. I will have to proclaim that message with a heavy heart, just as Elijah and Amos did in the time of Ephraim. God, as mentioned in the book of Isaiah, has already had to clothe Himself in garments of vengeance (Isaiah 59:14-17). He waits until the last possible moment, but the time for repentance in Finland is running very short. It may also be, as in the time of ancient Ephraim, that even though God raises His prophets to warn and call for repentance, the people do not hear, though they have ears, and the people do not see, though they have eyes. As in the time of Ephraim’s apostasy, the spiritual blindness of the people could eventually lead to a shaking that befalls the nation.

In Finland's situation, one positive aspect is what the Lord has spoken and confirmed to me as well. Whatever happens in Finland in the coming years will serve to awaken a greater knowledge of God, a healthy fear of the Lord, and respect for God among other pagan nations. Do you see the connection once again to the time of Ephraim? Before the shakings came upon Ephraim, the surrounding nations were urged to observe the events and learn about the sovereignty of our God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in this world.

A more blessed future option for Finland would now be if the nation's leadership awakened during this final time given for repentance and, as in the war years of the early 20th century, to proclaim to the people the need for repentance, a return to their knees, and a cry to the Lord for help. Of course, just as God answered prayers during Finland's battles for independence, He would again respond to prayers and cries, abundantly blessing the nation once more. It must be remembered that in God's scrutiny, it is not only the nation's secular leadership that is under examination, but also the leaders of all congregations with regard to upholding righteousness in their preaching.

The other option is the path without repentance and turning toward God. It is the path of Agor’s Valley of Tears with its shakings, which God, in the midst of the nation’s weeping, will turn into salvation for many, while at the same time restoring the nation to its original, healthy fear of God and, over time, to the ability to execute justice and uphold righteousness according to the Holy Word. I trust you also sense which path, even in light of the history of nations, is the more likely one.

It may indeed happen that Finland, as the nation continues in its apostasy, will no longer be able to retain its beautiful form. I can only echo the words of the Old Testament prophets: PERHAPS God will yet relent from His judgments if, in the final moments, the nation’s leaders lead the people to repentance, and the congregations bring joy to the Lord by answering His call.

Even if Finland faces shaking, there is always a comforting aspect due to God's way of working. Although our nation may no longer rejoice like the bride congregation, whose unique form was given to us as a sign of restoration, those sifted from among the nations who have answered God's call will still join the dance like a bride.

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Scriptures taken from the New King James Version:

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