Ponder This Over The 4th

This letter was written by a friend at Church:

Independence Day is here. The typical American might celebrate the coming holiday by participating in a parade, watching a fireworks display, or simply spending time with family and friends. However I would like to challenge our readers to take a moment this Fourth of July to consider not only our nation's rich history, but also its future. What is our ultimate destiny? What does the Bible have to say to America?

We can learn many things about America's possible destiny by looking at the parallels between the US and the Northern Kingdom of Israel as described in the book of Hosea. The Northern Kingdom enjoyed material prosperity unequaled since days of Solomon, but they had sunk to the depths of immorality and idol worship. As a result of their sin God judged Israel and they were destroyed by their enemies.

The United States also enjoys unprecedented wealth and prosperity, but as a nation we have turned our back on God. So why hasn't God judged America? Is it too late? Or is there still time?

We are God's stewards. The future of America is in our hands. God made a promise to the people of Israel that may apply to us as well:

"If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." -2 Chronicles 7:14

This is not addressed to our President, our Congress, or our population in general: It is addressed to "My people, who are called by my name." It is addressed to the Body of Christ. Our stewardship of this nation does not begin and end at the ballot box. There is much more required of us. We need a national revival - and it must start with you and me.

The moral decline of society is indeed disconcerting, yet it is important to remember that God is in control. Our Lord has power over all that is in heaven and earth and He alone has the power to transform our nation.

"Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name."
1 Chronicles 29:11-13