2 Kings 8.12-13

“What’s the matter, my lord?” Hazael asked him. Elisha replied, “I know the terrible things you will do to the people of Israel. You will burn their fortified cities, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little children to the ground, and rip open their pregnant women!” Hazael responded, “How could a nobody like me ever accomplish such great things?” Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you are going to be the king of Aram.” [2 Kings 8.12-13]

Have you ever had a conversation with a person who you knew clearly did not understand what you were saying to him or her?

Such is the case with Elisha and Hazael. Elisha was prophesying that Hazael would do unthinkable things but Hazael thought those things were great.

Herein lies a great problem in the USA today. There exist those who will do terrible things to this country, but, in their minds they think what they are doing is good!

The argument in the United States is perhaps more heated today than even in the history of this nation. There is a great divide between two factions of ideology. Accusations are harsh from both sides. Distrust is at an all-time high. Conspiracy is suspect around every corner. Chaos and rioting are increasing. Doubt and dismay are on the rise...

And, there are those who think this is a great thing.

The problem with Hazael is that he had no conscience about what Elisha told him he would do as king of Aram. He had no conscience about wholesale murder of innocent people because he had no understanding of God and His laws. In fact, Hazael carried a hatred for Israel that perhaps he did not fully understand because he did not know God and God had turned Israel over to him because of their sinfulness.

Bottom line: Israel had sin that needed to be repented of. Hazael was a godless, ruthless and wicked person who God allowed to inflict just suffering upon Israel.

Could this be what is happening in the USA?

It is worth considering... but better yet, it is worth repenting!

Father, help us in the USA to understand our circumstances. Particularly help those who are "called by Your name" to understand the responsibility at this time to repent so that we might be delivered from those who would take away every good thing You have given us.