God has an even greater plan for America than any of us can imagine.
Back in July of 2020, I had the honor to teach a lesson about the reign of King Josiah. His father Manasseh, the oldest son of King Hezekiah, had ruled for fifty-five years. And unlike his father, he had done evil in the sight of God. He was the vilest leader Israel had ever had. (2 Kings 21:1-9; 2 Chronicles 33). Jerusalem was in ruins; he even went as far as burning his sons as a sacrifice. He sought omens, look to the mediums, built altars in the house of God which the Lord had said; in Jerusalem will I put my name. Israel was in its deepest depth of sin. Idolatry was rampant and the hearts and minds of the people were far from the presence of God. They were indeed in need of a revival.
But there was a remnant who loved God with all their heart, mind, and soul. (Matthew 22:34-40). They saw beyond the darkest days of Israel. When all appeared hopeless, darkness, and gloom hovered over them, these remembered the prophecy in 2 Kings 13:2 about Josiah. He burst on the scene and began a reform that reversed the apostasy of Israel. He destroyed the high places, put an end to idol worship, and instituted a national Passover at Jerusalem. During this time, God redeemed Israel from the clutches of sin and decay. His reign was twenty years and followed by his son, Jehoiakim who did evil in the sight of God and reigned eleven years. But the reform was never a failure or useless. Nothing God does is useless, but it does work out for the good.
These are times as we’ve never seen. America stands on the verge of a collapse. Some look to the Democrats for the answer. Others believe in the Republicans for change. Many African Americans look to Black Lives Matter to combat racism and inequality. The medical profession longs for a vaccine to ericaite COVID-19. Now that one is here, there’s no guarantee that it will. Though it’s available under an emergency access mechanism called EUA, it hasn’t even been approved by the FDA. Even President Biden’s prediction to mark July 4th as our independence from this virus is a form of false hope. Nobody, not even he knows when it will cease and desist.
Families and businesses look to the stimulus checks as they struggle financially. Crime and violence are on the rise while laws are being passed that infringe on religious liberties. When a country is in ruins, it’s normal for the people to look to leadership and their government to make things better. But ever since this nation has rejected God, we’ve seen a steady decline in morality, values, and ethics.
You can’t treat the Lord as though He doesn’t exist without dire consequences. (Jeremiah 17:10). There was a time alcohol was illegal in America, so was gambling. Even abortion was deemed inhumane. Now this country is plagued with sin, idolatry, and evil. Each time our government passes laws that goes against God’s will, it leaves a trail of murder, social decline, and people doing whatever they want without consequences. So many politicians say one thing and compromise their convictions to gain votes. They do anything to bash their opponents to make themselves seem worthy of the chosen one. (1 John 4:1). Such efforts show their lack of character and the means they’re willing to go to get elected. But God looks on their heart and knows every motive, intent, and true identity. (1 Samuel 16:7) Nothing gets by Him.
True reform can only be found in Jesus. As we prepared for another election year, I told the class I taught, if there was a Josiah running for the presidency, I would vote for him. And what this country needs aren’t found in any of the fore-mentioned methods being applied. We’ve seen the outcome and what they leave behind. God is our living hope. We must look to Him for reform and restoration. We do need the Lord back in America. These are the moments that define who we are and what we believe. We must repent, pray, obey God because He didn’t get us in the mess, we’re in, but He’s the only one who will get us out of it.
QUESTION FOR REFLECTION:
What will you do to make this year a better year?
We do need God in American again. What can we do to bring back morality and godly values in America again?
I pray the musical selection, Made to Live for You by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, demonstrated by these precious youths, stirs your heart and faith in God.
Can you encourage someone today? Please comment on how this devotional inspired you, hit that heart, and share. Thank you kindly for your support and encouragement.
DONATE to these worthy causes:
FOLLOW ME
Comentarios