Temperatures in Europe climb as winter sets in.

As the European financial crisis continues, rhetoric becomes more pointed and possibilities become more interesting.  A German news source, Der Spiegel, recently proclaimed, “The old EU is Finished.”  The author went on to summarize an interview with Joschka Fischer, former German foreign minister.  Mr. Fischer “wants to see a resolute political body consisting of the leaders of euro-zone countries.  They should, he believes, be outfitted with far-reaching authority and granted sufficient power by their parliaments back home.”  The article then described “old Europe” as “the Babylonian monster that spits out tons of paper in 23 languages every day”—referring to its antiquated and cumbersome way of doing business.

Next, the article author cited Charles Grant, founder of the Centre for European Reform.  Mr. Grant has a “vision for a democratically united Europe in which the citizens of the various member states [currently 27] vote directly for European commissioners… Grant’s model sees the EU president selecting the 10 best of the 27 citizens’ picks, with the remaining 17 becoming deputies” (November 14, 2011).  Meanwhile, in Canada, former German defense minister Karl zu Guttenburg pointed out that the EU’s problems are not related to the euro or finance, but rather are a crisis of leadership (TheLocal.de, November 20, 2011).

The Times of London ran a scathing article this week entitled “Germany has declared war on the Eurozone.”  The article’s author discussed how the Bundesbank is inhibiting the economic recovery of Europe by creating a situation where Europe must follow German finance rules or face financial chaos (November 23, 2011).

The political and financial landscape in Europe is changing, almost daily.  A common theme being suggested is that a smaller, more economically powerful, and governmentally integrated Europe will emerge “from the ashes” of the current EU configuration.  Many expect that Germany will hold the reins of this new, sleeker and more powerful “European dream.”

These dynamic events in Europe are developing right along the lines of ancient Bible prophecies.  Thousands of years ago the prophet Daniel prophesied that ten kings (toes of the image in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream) would come together at the time of the end and form the King of the North (Daniel 2:41-42; 11:36-39).  The Apostle John spoke about this same group of ten kings—possibly representing ten nations—headed by a strong individual known as the Beast (Revelation 17:7-13).

In the days ahead, we will need to watch to see how these ancient prophecies will actually be fulfilled!