IF MY PEOPLE...

Today is Independence Day in the USA, exactly 237 years after the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, asserting our liberty from British rule.  The signers of that declaration were largely persons of deep and abiding faith.  And the Holy Writ ascribes definitive blessings to any nation and people who faithfully embrace the true and living God.  “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12) 

Therefore, today’s joyous celebrations must also be accompanied by serious and sobering questions: ‘Is America still holding fast to its original design and intent?’  ‘Have we now become a godless nation?’

I make no attempt here to catalog the variety or volume of our individual and national sins.  It is completely unnecessary, for our condition is obvious, as is our plight.  But what can be done about it?  Is there any available remedy?  Thankfully, an age-old prescription is both applicable and effective: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14)

Sisters and brothers, let us pray fervently for the USA…that Almighty God would send forth the spirit of revival and renewal in our land…that our leaders would rule in the fear and admonition of the Lord…and that believers would “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 1:3)

I love America.  And I firmly believe that it is never too late for any repentant individual (or nation) to turn their attentions and hearts to the Lord.  After all, He is the God of second chances.  In the words of the Prophet Isaiah, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:7)  Committed Christians must lead the way; we must be ‘first partakers’ in national repentance and restoration.

Amen.