A Country In Need
Introduction
Psalms 33:12 says this, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen for His own possession.” Of all the nations which have ever been established, conceived, or made, the USA is without a doubt the greatest Nation to ever grace the face of the earth. As a superpower, our ability to change leadership without firing a shot serves as a model to the rest of the world. The ways in which we conduct business and enjoy freedom are the envy of millions of people around the world.
In the beginning of this nation, our leaders were deep thinking men. Their intellect was unsurpassed. If you read the founding documents of this nation, you will discover that we have few, if any, who think as deeply as the likes of Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, and even Hancock. Additionally, these men were deep believers. Although modern day history attempt to cover the true spiritual roots of this nation, any self-respecting historian is forced to concede our forefathers came to this place to have and offer “religious freedom.” Their beliefs were deep enough to place at stake their lives, their livelihoods, and their families. They gave themselves to principles, ethics, morals, and yes, a belief that to succeed God would have to bless them. As is stated by many of our founding Fathers, we would need God’s hand to guide if there was to be a future for this nation.
In just a few days, we will celebrate 232 years of independence from the King of Great Britain. When the 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence they knew the risks, they knew the situation, but most of all, they need the need of this new land.
Today, those spiritual foundation and moorings have been all but demolished and uprooted by leaders who do not think as deeply and certainly not as spiritually. We have now become world leaders in all the things like evil, violence, immorality, etc. If something doesn’t change, God will either judge the USA or have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah. We are a nation in need on a collision course with our Heavenly Father.
Turn with me to 2 Chronicles 15. Chapter 15 relays to us a story about a good and godly King of Judah named Asa. Chapter 14:2 tells us that Asa did what was good and right in the sight of the Lord HIS God and that the land had peace for 10 years. King Asa took a good nation and made it better. He saw the needs and gave leadership to the people. Let’s read about this and learn.
(READ TEXT) Don’t you like that last sentence? “The Lord gave them rest on every side.” Just how did that happen? It is safe to respond that they were blessed of God, just like the USA was blessed in her early days. The truth is this: I am frightened for my kids and grandkids. When I consider how this country has turned her back on Jehovah God in the last 15 years and realizing how everything is speeding up, I fear where we will be in the next 15. Some will ‘say’ that we are still under God’s blessing but I say we are in NEED of God’s blessing. Follow with me and see the truths which, I believe, God has shown to me;
I. The Conditions for God’s Blessings
Although we don’t care to admit it, God has conditions which He places on us as a nation. Just as surely as my mom and dad meant it when they put conditions on me, God gives us conditions for His blessings. There are at least 3 reminders here. In fact, God places conditions on believers in regard to appropriating all His blessings!
A. A People with God
The Lord is with you WHEN you are with Him. When you get with God, He’ll get with you. Again, we may not like this, but it’s still God’s word. And it gets worse.
B. A People Seeking God
IF you seek Him, THEN He will be found by you. Have you ever wondered why we don’t “see God’s hand” in our lives, our church, and our nation? I remember when the first cosmonaut went into space and at that time heard that He said, “I saw God nowhere.” Then Alan Shepherd went up and said, “I saw God everywhere.” If we seek Him, He’s available.
C. A People Abandoning God
IF a nation or its leaders abandon Him, THEN He will abandon that nation and its leaders. This blows a hole in our wishful thinking. Surely if God is a God of love, He will never abandon us. In fact, doesn’t the Bible teach that He will never leave or forsake? I did a personal search about this concept and know what I found? God will not leave you as long as and until we as a group leave Him. As long as you are following Him as a nation and until He completes His work in us, He will not leave us. This is a Biblical teaching which when perverted makes God a slave. God will never leave a born again Christian to die lost, but when institutions or governments desert Him, He will remove His covering from them. If a church turns its back on God, He is not going to bless that church. We all know that this is true, but often we just go on as if God is beholding to us even if we rebel against Him as a people.
II. The Consequences without God’s Blessings
Let’s look at what this passage tells us. The consequences are clear and costly. By the way, the parallel for the USA is striking.
A. The Land is Filled with Chaos
The Land is filled with chaos. The scripture tells us that there was no teaching priest and no law. When no one is teaching right from wrong, everyone is free to do what is right in their own minds. If there is no teaching going on, there are no laws being promoted and again, everyone does what is right in their own minds. When this happens, it leads to confusion & chaos. Look around America today. People about confused about the most foundational of issues and chaos now exist about what is right and wrong. Chaos is progressive & leads us to,
B. The Land is Filled with Conflict
b. The Land is filled with conflict. In Asa’s Judah, there was no peace. Today, conflict rages from the house to the school house to the White house. We can track its beginnings in this country. When we began removing God from our schools, government, and other public places, the conflict began. Over the last 40+ years it has grown to where;
C. The Land is Filled with Corruption
The Land is filled with corruption. Verse 3 says that for many years Israel (the people of God) have been without a TRUE GOD. Corruption comes when there is no God. And the result of this is devastating for a nation. Without God, there is little to pass along to the next generation except more of what we have had in the recent day.
Considering the consequences of being without God’s blessings, take one more look around the USA and see the reality of our situation. Today we kill the unborn at an alarming rate (in fact, my observation is that animals get more protection from the law and society than an unborn human). We view violence in video games and TV which gives them a faulty view of life and death. We view sexual situations on TV and the Internet which gives a distorted view of this wonderful gift from God. We live in a culture which is so vial that we have to register sex offenders. This “Christian” nation will be electing a President from two men whose views of the Bible are questionable, at best. The cost of walking away from God is high. What are we to do? What was done in Judah? We are a country in need. Of what are in need?
III. The Channel of God’s Blessings
If we are to experience God’s blessings once again, we need to learn two things from this text.
A. We Need Good Leaders
There are several phrases in the Bible which leads me to believe King Asa was a good leader. I begin in verse 8 with the words, “He took courage.” Seems to me this means he LED with courage. It takes courage to make needed changes. Look at 4 things He did;
1. He Removed the Idols
HCSB calls them “detestable idols” and I’ll ask, “Is there another kind?” Anything which takes our focus off Jehovah God is a detestable idol. In this country, we have place many things before God. Most go into the voting both these days and vote their pocket book or their favorite program. Please consider this; in this country where debt is rising at staggering rates, there is much tax money wasted and will never be cut because it might cost a congressman votes. This country must remove all idols, but it will take a good leader.
2. He Renovated the House of Worship
Have you ever driven around a community to look at the landscape of a community? Drive through the old part of town and given an honest evaluation, it looks tired, aged, and many times abandoned. On the outskirts of the town there are some new building, new architecture, new energy, and new growth. Focus your attention on the church buildings with the same discerning eye and you’ll discover the same characteristics. The church buildings or the Houses of God, many times look like relics from a former day while the Houses of People are state of the art. When I observe this, I am reminded of Haggai 1 and the stinging words of God who ends with a warning which says, “You better think about this.” Asa didn’t stop here.
3. He Reunited the People
He gathered everyone together. Asa knew the importance of building camaraderie among people. The old song states a principle, “United we stand, divided we fall.”
4. He Restored Authentic Worship
He turned people’s heart toward Jehovah God and led them to offer “sacrifices” to the Lord God. The USA is in such a state that for the last 8 years a man who loves God has led us, and he has almost been crucified for his beliefs.
B. We need Grateful People
It seems to me that the people in Judah we very grateful for a leader who would step forward and give fresh leadership. Honestly, it’s hard to be grateful when the attitude is “what have you done for me today?” Look at these folk;
1. They Recognized the Corruption
Where do I find this truth? In the fact that they came with a mind to worship. The sacrifice would have not taken place, worship would have not been experienced, and what follows would not be recorded had this people not recognized their own corruption. This was and is the starting point, for a nation, a church, and a person. While we don’t care to admit it, corruption exists in each one of us. When we refuse to acknowledge our sinfulness, there will be no change in us because there is no reason to change. However, when we admit our corruptness, God moves in to help.
2. They Responded with a Covenant
Simplistically, a contract is based on law, while a covenant is based on love. A contract is about property while covenant is about people. When the people came to realize their condition and that their condition was impacting their family and their futures, the responded to almighty God in the form of a covenant. This was a simple covenant which said, “I will seek the Lord.” But remembering their history, they carried it to the next level. “I will seek the Lord with all my mind and heart.” It is my personal conviction that they remembered how good Jehovah had been to them and out of grateful hearts, they responded. Watch the depth of this;
3. They Required Commitment
This people were so grateful to the Lord that it was not enough to take the oath themselves. As a part of this agreement, they instituted a “no tolerance” policy for those who would NOT seek God. (verse 13) Think about it, Capital punishment for those who would not see God.
4. They Rejoiced in their Correction
Verse 14 gives a Biblical picture of a “praise service.” Can you hear this service? The Bible says, “a loud voice” (everyone), “shouting” (to the top of their voices), “trumpets” (one trumpet unnerves many of us, think about the plural), & “ram horns” (not must, just racket). They wanted everyone to hear. Why? Verse 15 says, “they swore it with their mind, sought Him with their hearts, and FOUND HIM! They FOUND GOD! This is our need!
The USA was founded on God’s word. Two years ago, I shared with you many of the historical facts which affirm the Bible, Belief in Jehovah God, and Commitment to principles of scripture were the foundation of this country. Today, I regret to say this, but this country in large measure has abandoned God. Remember the words of this passage, “If you abandon God, He will abandon you.”
The only way for God to remember this country is for this country to remember Him. Here’s the truth, it won’t start in the White House, it must begin in the Church House with those who claim to know God living lives of integrity, holiness, and love that bring attention to the Father. The people of Judah did this because they were grateful. After they were restored in their relationship, listen;
5. They Rested in their Connection
This is where we began. The “Lord” gave them rest. In His presence there is fullness of joy, there is love, there is peace, there is contentment, and the list goes on.
Conclusion
This is a great message for us. We are a country in need and a relationship with God through Jesus is the answer. This is the only think which will heal our Land. Heal our land. Here is a prescription for the healing that we need. 2 Chronicles 7:14. The only way this land will get “healed” is if God hears from heaven and forgives our sin. This means we have to admit and repent of our sin. What exactly does it mean to repent? “Humble ourselves, Pray, Seek God, and Turn from our ungodliness while turning to Him.” This is the NEED of this nation and every person