When trying to assess problems of this world, we tend to look upon some nations as bad and others as good. However, Scripture clearly states that the “prince of this world” (Satan) is behind them all. [Jn. 14:30, 1Jn. 5:19]
While showing Him “all the kingdoms of the world,” Satan said to Jesus, ‘I will give You all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want.” [Luke 4:6-7] Jesus didn’t argue; He knew that when Adam and Eve sinned, they forfeited their authority over all the earth to Satan. Regardless of what we want to believe, the “god of this present evil age” (Satan) is determined to use every nation for opposing the Kingdom of God. [Ps. 2:1-3]
God’s prophet, Samuel tried his best to warn of the disastrous results of seeking a human king for hope and solutions to problems. In stark contrast to God who longs to give everything, a king enslaves by taking everything! [1 Sam. 8:10-18]
Samuel foresaw where it would all end,
“When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.” Vs. 18
“But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” … The LORD answered, “… give them a king.” Vs. 19-22
When God, said, “Give them a king,” He was not blessing this role. Instead, because of man’s sinful nature He ordered it! Since then, every earthly nation has had a “king” who rules them, but never The King.
Jesus has never been in the business of defending any earthly nation. Instead, He has always been in the business of demolishing them so that He can save His people and build His Kingdom which “is not of this world!” [John 18:36] Jesus came to establish a Kingdom that would stand apart from and against all the kingdoms of this world. Why? Because all the kingdoms of this world stand against Him!
“The descendents of Abraham [those who believe in Jesus] admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” [Heb 11:13-16]
Who are the people of God’s nation? They are not those of any particular geographical location. Rather, they proclaim no allegiance to any earthly kingdom; nor are they shaken when the depravity of this world is exposed. They are confident that Father, God uses all things for their good and His glory! It is those who believe and are blessed with the hope and security of their citizenship in heaven! These are His Nation!
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people He chose for His inheritance. [Ps.33:12]
Whole-Heartedly,Bonnie
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Amen Bonnie! Can we stop all this silly nonsensical national pride as Americans. Folks, the enemy has done a masterful job of deceiving Chrisitians in this country into believing that patrtiotism ranks right up there with our faith in Jesus. What a lie this is of the enemy! Yes, you heard it right. It is a lie of the enemy. Go ahead, get mad, and stomp and sputter around. When you are all done, pray about it and ask God to lift the veil on your heart to see this.
ReplyDeleteWe, as Christians who live in the United States, are not unlike the Israelites who were captive in Babylon. Yes, they physically lived there, but did not consider themselves citizens of that country. I live in this country (I have to live somewhere after all) but I do not consider myself a citizen of this country. My allegiance is once and for all in the Kingdom of God. My king is Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelites did when they were in Babylon, I have to abide by the laws and rules as a resident of this country (note I said "resident' and not "citizen"). Think of it this way. We are like resident aliens, citizens of one kingdom, while we live in another.
Once you can come to realize this, you will begin to see things in a new light. It no longer matters who the President is, it no longer matters what laws are passed, it no longer matters if the ten commandments aren't displayed in public buildings, it no longer matters if the nativity scene is taken down on public property, and the list goes on and on. Don't you think it is possible that the enemy has worked this deception among Christians in the United States in order that we lose sight of what God really wants us to be concerned about? Despite the well meaning efforts in the name of national pride by some Christians, have things really gotten better or worse in this country? I for one will no longer operate under this deception by the enemy. He had me going long enough and now it is time to cast my eyes upon Jesus.
I am so intrigued and fascinated by the fact that God is a God of history. Not only is He very much involved in the intricate details of my daily individual life which just amazes me, but He is also very much involved in the political and historical world scene as well. As I read through the Old Testament I see the incredible stories of how God used not only Godly but very pagan kings and individuals and kingdoms for His purposes and His glory. Every time Israel would turn from God to worship pagan gods and do what was evil in His sight, they would soon find themselves in captivity at the hand of God. And when they would cry out to the LORD, he would deliver them. He raises up kings and kingdoms and He removes them.
ReplyDeleteGod uses history to tell His story. The history of the Old Testament is God’s woven tapestry pointing to the Messiah, while the history of the New Testament on through to this very day is God’s woven tapestry pointing to the return of Jesus and God’s final judgment. He uses the kings and kingdoms of the world, the events of the world, and the things of this world as His Kingdom calendar unfolds. It is fascinating to watch.
As the world’s economy continues to collapse before my very eyes, as I watch life savings and retirements disappear, as I watch more loss of homes and jobs, and experience a real threat to the way of life as I have known it, I am forced to look at where my hope and my security does lie. I admit that it has rested in my country and its leaders. But our president is only a man; he is not God. Our country is only of this world; it is neither infallible nor invincible. I have lived in its illusion and it is painful to crack open illusions. It seems that when the props that support our lives fall away from under our feet we become more wiling and ready to turn to God and discover the one kingdom that is unshakable — the kingdom of our God and of His Son. What is shakable will crumble to dust. Our only true security is found in Him.
Because our lives and identity have become so entangled with jobs, promotions, status, material possessions and stuff, maybe we will begin to value what really is important – family and friends and relationships – and turn our faces and hearts to God.
It is not by accident that I was born in this country at this time in history. That was God’s doing. It is an exciting time and frightening time. I find great comfort knowing that no matter what happens on the world scene or in the private sector of my life, God is in total control.