Theology takes time! You got to chew on it, muddle over it, meditate on the word and ways of God
-I'll Admit it
There have been times that I have come across somewhat exaggerated preachers' claims that God either should or actually is judging America for any number of her transgressions with a smirk and suspicion. Most of the times their claims seemed strangely linked to Israel, God's covenant people and their "exegesis" based on allegory. I could understand that the Bible is applicable to all people everywhere as its truth claims are properly understood, but most of what I heard seemed to my young ears not to communicate what the Scriptures were saying. America has been likened to Israel, Babylon, the "Days of Noah", and while there are traits of all of these that we can see at play in America, when I read the scriptures, the United states doesn't specifically come to mind. The Scriptures seem to indicate something either broader as in the Day's of Noah, or something more specific, as in descriptions of Babylon.
When I listen to these panic-stricken warnings and look at the Biblical record, I also see a discrepancy. In the scriptures, I see the apostles carefully remind their readers of the Christ who has come, who was sent, paid our tab and will return for His church. I see the apostles appeal to believers to live with hope, joy, and intentional vigor in light of the Gospel of Christ, our LORD.
When I look back to the Old Testament prophets, I typically see warnings of judgement to come to God's people for idolatry and spiritual decline which becomes evident in their moral decline (there's America again). After judgement and justice are complete, I finally hear promises of one to come who will reign in truth and righteousness FOREVER, which gives hope to the hearer.
This is strangely absent in what I hear from those who are issuing "warnings" of America's Judgement. The Biblical story seems to indicate that ultimately there are the children of God and those whose guilt rests upon them. God offers HIS salvation to those who place their faith alone in Christ alone, but ALL who still have to deal with the penalty of their disobedience, (not just a specific country) will have to deal with the consequences of God's justice and holiness.
If you add the tendency of most warnings of pending or current judgement with exhortations to fight the system instead of repentance and faith in Christ, you see why at times I have been weary of hearing about judgement for America. But, for arguments sake, what if I am wrong (and I am fully aware that I could be)?
-What if we have it wrong?
If the modern preachers are correct and my reading is deficient when it comes to future judgments, what are the implications?
1) Repentance is the only option though I hesitate to say that. America, not being a Christian country can't change their mind. The natural man can only be at odds with God. SO I pray first that you be BORN again, recognize that Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ of eternity has been sent to redeem us from our sins and reconcile us to and make us right with the God of the universe.
This is only done by placing your faith in Him alone, in other words, by "going all-in".
2) If (hypothetically speaking) we are under the judgement of God, we DO deserve it.
3) If we are under judgement of even seeing fulfilled prophecy, CHURCH stand up, and view the whole of life missional-ly. Are we engaging those around us who are now HOPE('08)less honestly with the only true hope for the weary, the heavy-laden, the oppressed, and sin-ridden?
4) If (hypothetically speaking) we are under the judgement of God, we are spinning our wheels with our supper committees, job plans, etc. All of it is wasted energy if we indeed we are under the hand of God. The most beneficial, expedient, restorative way through our current troubles, is truly "IN GOD (alone) WE TRUST!
just a few thoughts...-Quest
