Learning DAILY

 

Jeremiah 1:1-2, How lovely sits the city that was full of people!  How like a widow is she, who was great among the nations!  The princess among the provinces has become a slave!  She weeps bitterly in the night, her tears are on her cheeks; among her lovers she has none to comfort her.  All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they have become her enemies.

 

A week or so ago, my good friend D. C. Adkisson put the idea in my mind to read the book of Lamentations.  While I was reading, I could not help comparing the United States to biblical Israel.  I have hesitated to write about my thoughts because of controversy they might bring.  My suggestion is to read the book for yourself and see if you agree with my thoughts.

 

The prophet Jeremiah has written a sorrowful description of a once proud Jerusalem that has now been reduced to ruble by an invading army from Babylon.  The wall around the city has been knocked down and the temple has been destroyed. The people of Israel have been killed or taken to Babylon; those remaining were weak and left to die.

 

What was the cause for such a great city as Jerusalem to be left barren?  Was this not the city of David and Solomon? The answer to the question why is easy and clear.  For years, God’s prophets had warned the people of Israel about the consequences of ongoing sin.  These people were His chosen people but they had gone to surrounding nations (lovers and friend in the verses above) for help and worshipped their idols; they had turned away from God.  The sins of Israel are described in crude terms in verses 8-10.  Israel had become despicable and spiritually defiled as though her filthiness had stained her clothes.  She had become rebellious, refusing to change.

 

God desires His people to repent of their sins.  Sin will ultimately be dealt with if repentance does not occur.  God is righteous (v. 18)!  Because He is, His character requires that justice be carried out against sin.  By the destruction of Jerusalem and the people taken into captivity He was carrying out the consequences He had warned about from the beginning.  Lamentations 5:19 tells us that God is eternal and because He is, His justice is consistent!

 

That brings us to the United States in 2020.  We have God’s Word and we know God is eternal.  That means He is still just in His actions.  I have long thought that there are many similarities between biblical Israel and the United States.  This country was founded on biblical principles.  God has blessed this country in so many ways; I am sure you can agree with me.  So, like biblical Israel, God has had His hand on the United States. There are those who are trying to rewrite the history of our country so God is removed.

 

But, like biblical Israel, the United States has turned from God to worship and follow idols.  You can name the idols as well as I can; it is interesting that the events and things and programs we watch have all been taken from us because of being forced to stay at home.  Sports, movies, weekly television programs are only a few things in my house that have been removed.  What about all the sinful behavior we have come to accept as “normal”?  It needs to be repented of as well.  Do I need to be specific?  When was the last time you heard any mention of the need for repentance as a nation due to sin?  I am talking about this nation as a people repenting of idol worship, sexual sin, abortion, and basically telling God we do not need Him anymore!

 

If my thoughts, regarding the United States being similar to biblical Israel in God’s eyes, we need to remember what happened to Jerusalem.  If this nation does not repent of national sins, do you think that He will turn a blind eye to what is happening and allow it to continue?  I do not believe He will.  You have given your life to Jesus Christ.  That does not mean you will not go through some tribulation.  Are you ready?  Is there sin in your life you need repent of?  If so, confess it to the One who desire to forgive you.  There is no doubt in my mind that the people of the United States are in a time God is warning His people to draw close to Him.  If I am right, do so and He will draw close to you.  In doing so, He will be with you in whatever comes our way. God is always faithful to those who call upon Him; it is the bedrock of our faith. 

 

 

If you would like to get this blog sent to you automatically when new posts are posted please leave your email address with “Follow by email.” Don’t forget to check Follow as well.

 

Remember – if you receive this blog through email, you can go to the regular blog page by moving your cursor to the top of the page and click on LEARNING DAILY header.  Then you can see the archived articles and comment section. You can also leave a comment by clicking on the date in the Comment Section.