Going ... Going ... Gone?
"If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
Have you ever been to an auction? I haven’t actually ever attended one, but I have seen many of them portrayed on television and in the movies. When the bidding reaches its climax, the auctioneer often says, “Going … Going …. Gone! With that last “gone,” he raps his gavel and that particular item is up for grabs no longer.
AMERICA UP FOR GRABS
I believe our nation and the very fabric of what has made America great for these last 200+ years is “going … going … gon ...” I believe we are one vowel away, so to speak, from seeing our nation completely disintegrate before our eyes. For untold decades, Bible students have wondered why America, the most powerful and affluent nation in the world (at least we used to be), would not be mentioned in Bible prophecy. Hmmm … I think now we can begin to see the reason.
While it is easy to lament the fall of morality, a strong work ethic, and basic common sense with regard to economics and national security, it is important to note that the answer to our problems will not come from the White House … it will come from the Church House. God’s people hold the key that can turn this nation around for God and for good.
GOD BLESS AMERICA?
God tells us in 2 Chron. 7:13, “If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people ...” Would we not all agree that we are living in a day where the blessings of God are being withheld in America? The news is filled with devastating reports of corporate cutbacks, job losses, unemployment, bankruptcies, bailouts, disease outbreaks, devastating natural disasters, and mind-boggling national indebtedness. Truly, the land is being “devoured” as I type this paragraph.
We like to sing “God Bless America” … but how can He? We are kicking God out of every arena of American public life. Ronald Reagan hit the nail on the head when he stated, “If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” How arrogant we are to ask for the blessings of God while refusing to submit to or acknowledge the God of the blessings.
THE GOOD NEWS
With all the bad news, there is some good news … actually, it is great news. On the heels of the curses of 2 Chron. 7:13 comes the promise of 2 Chron. 7:14, “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Without question, God responds to the repentance and prayers of His people. If the Christians in America will get right with God and white hot with passion for the Lord Jesus Christ (lukewarm Christianity is a disgrace to grace), THEN AND ONLY THEN will we see God hear, forgive and heal our land.
The auctioneer’s gavel is coming down fast on America. The last “GONE!” is about to be uttered. But God’s people can make the difference. We can speak up and direct our hearts back to God. Will you join me in praying for America? God will hear and answer if we will stand in the gap and call on His name from a humble, contrite heart.
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Jeff Schreve is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas. He and his wife Debbie have been married for over 20 years and are blessed with three wonderful girls. Jeff began From His Heart Ministries, a radio and television ministry, in January of 2005. This ministry is completely listener/viewer supported. It continues only through the faithful and generous gifts of people like you. Pastor Jeff takes no salary from this ministry. All gifts go to further the broadcast.
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