The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. [Psalm 34.17]
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. [2 Chronicles 7.14]
The United States of America is in trouble. Although founded upon Christian principles, the USA is far from portraying itself as a Godly nation today. Some would say it is just 'the way things are' but others like myself believe the USA has come under judgment for its flagrant sinfulness.
It is to the people of God who share this belief, that America is experiencing judgment, that I appeal with the scriptures referenced above. We have no uncertain promises in these two scriptures that, first of all, God wants to rescue us. 2 Chronicles 7.14 lays out God's detailed plan for so doing.
It might seem strange that Christians should take it upon themselves to repent for sins they did not participate in. But the beauty of this action is twofold: 1) 2 Chronicles 7.14 gives a preview of Jesus humbling Himself and becoming obedient to the death on a cross that He did not deserve; and, 2) When Christians today repent on behalf of others (their nation) they are portraying the selfless sacrifice of Jesus!
It is worth pointing out that 2 Chronicles 7.14 says, "turn from their wicked ways..." Here is also a picture of Christ! If we live in the USA, then we are identified with all Americans. That is why the scripture says God's people should, "turn from their wicked ways..." Think of it compared to Jesus who came to live on earth so He might identify with all humanity! Is that cool, or what? Unlike Jesus, we still have sin in our lives to deal with, so our imperfect blood shed on a cross is not qualified to redeem souls, however, our repentance on behalf of others does not require that we be perfect! As long as we identify as "Americans" we can repent for the worst of America's sins! God is so brilliant!!!
Repentance is not a bad word. It should be as much a part of our Christian vocabulary as the word "love." In fact, without repentance, we cannot receive God's love. Insistence upon remaining unrepentant only qualifies us as recipients of every curse placed upon disobedience (Deuteronomy 28).
We really need to change our thinking.
God's promises are so good. That is because God is good and only does good (Psalm 119.68).
Repentance is perhaps one of the greatest tools God has given us.
Jesus started His ministry like this:
From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” [Matthew 4.17]
Father, I am increasingly seeing the amazing gift of repentance that you have given us - not only for ourselves, but for others.
2 comments:
All very true, we are a fallen country.
That was very well put! Identifying as Americans we can repent for the worst of Americans sins compared, to Jesus coming to earth to identify with all humanity.. This was an eye opener for me. Thank you.
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