Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven.
We have transgressed and rebelled; You have not pardoned.
These words can be found in the book of Lamentations chapter 3.
As I bundle up against the cold chill in the air, I cannot help but think about the United States and the direction we are going in as a nation, as I read this book.
The prophet Jeremiah wrote spoke these words as he looked out at the city of Jerusalem in its current state.
Jerusalem has been reduced to rubble. A shell of her former glory because of the sins of the people.
Jeremiah says this about his former home:
Chapter 1:1 How lovely sits the city that was full of people! How like a widow was she, who was great among the nations! The princess among the provinces has become a slave!
Progressing through the book, Jeremiah also describes the condition of the people. Some are killed by the sword of the invaders, while some die of starvation and others simply loose the will to live.
Greater detail is given to the swiftness in which the city of God is overcome. All these are factors in Jeremiah's lament.
Across this country now, many cities are becoming barren wastelands. Economic decline, governmental corruption, overspending, overcrowding and crime are but symptoms of a greater problem. Sin. Someone once told me this, when Israel was put into captivity it was not because of the sin of its king (although they sinned also), but because of the sin of the people. Change starts within. If the people are not holding the king accountable and continue to sin, then God will judge the nation as a whole and captivity follows.
Israel has turned its back on God and have chosen to follow after false gods, worship false idols and revel in their sin. God's messenger, the prophet, has been warning the people of the coming judgment if they do not repent. Sadly enough they chose to continue on the path to destruction.
America is at the same fork in the road. What direction will we choose to go?
We too, are in an economic flux, our cities are riddled with high unemployment rates, economic decline, corrupt governments, crime and a false sense of security. Will we continue in our sin? Are we holding our govenment leaders accountable? No, we are not. If the accountability is not there, to whom will they listen? We cannot expect the leaders to change if we the people are not seeking change ourselves.
I shudder to think what America will look like when we become a nation once great among the nations.
Who will weep for us? NO ONE!
2 Chronicles 7:14 (God speaking) "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 I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
Israel was not seeking the LORD. America is not seeking the LORD.
I am not saying no one is praying to God for the salvation of our leaders and for us to return to Him as a nation. But, I hear more people complaining about things than getting on their knees.
God is merciful and just. God is not quick to judge nor condemn.
Nehemiah 9:17 (last part); Joel 2:13; Psalm 103:8; 145:8 all these verses plus others confirm the patience and grace of God.
2 Chronicles 7:15 (God speaking) "Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place."
I can picture Jehovah sitting on the edge of His throne in heaven waiting to spring into action for this nation. I really do. However, the prayers of a few are staying the judgment of God now. It is the silence of the many who are not praying that will bring His judgment.
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