“Bring back the deutschemark!”

A highly successful German businessman, Hans-Olaf Henkel, recently called for the eurozone to split in two.  The monetarily strong “northern zone” would comprise Germany, Austria, the Benelux nations, Finland, and possibly Ireland.

He also asked the question: “German industry’s success was for decades tied to a strong and stable currency with low inflation.  Seventeen currency appreciations not only strengthened the deutschemark, it kept the export industry on its toes.  For how much longer will German industry allow itself to be seduced by the sweet-smelling poison of a devalued euro?” (see Guardian.co.uk, March 13, 2011).

This week another writer, Holman Jenkins Jr. suggested that “Germany and its solvent neighbors should leave the eurozone in favor of a new currency”—the D-mark!  Citing both Hans-Olaf Henkel and the turmoil in the southern eurozone nations, Jenkins made a strong case for the re-emergence of the deutschemark (Wall Street Journal, August, 10, 2011).

Bible prophecy describes a Beast power that will arise in Europe in the last days (Revelation 17:7-13).  This Beast power will very likely be led by a monetarily strong Germany—a nation that we have for more than 60 years said would rise again!  This Beast power will bring temporary peace and prosperity to much of the world, yet its downfall will come suddenly (Revelation 18).

It is sobering to see these ancient prophecies taking shape today!