Independence Day is only a few days away. The typical American might celebrate the Fourth of July by watching a parade, lighting fireworks, or simply grilling burgers in the backyard with family and friends. However we would like to challenge our readers to take a moment this Friday to consider, not only our nation's rich history, but also its prophetic future. What is our ultimate destiny? What does the Bible have to say about America?
The United States appears to be conspicuously absent from Biblical prophecy. Biblical scholars tend to disagree on this subject, and we could make a multitude of conjectures concerning America's fate, but the fact of the matter is that the Bible does not specifically explain God's plan for the US.
However we can learn many things about America's possible destiny by looking at the parallels between the US and the Northern Kingdom of Israel as described in the book of Hosea. The Northern Kingdom enjoyed material prosperity unequaled since days of Solomon, but they had sunk to the depths of immorality and idol worship. As a result of their sin God judged Israel and they were destroyed by their enemies.
The United States also enjoys unprecedented wealth and prosperity, but as a nation we have turned our back on God. So why hasn't God judged America? Is it too late? Or is there still time?
We are God's stewards. The future of America is in our hands. God made a promise to the people of Israel that may apply to us as well:
"If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." -2 Chronicles 7:14
This is not addressed to our President, our Congress, or our population in general: It is addressed to "My people, who are called by my name." It is addressed to the Body of Christ. Our stewardship of this nation does not begin and end at the ballot box. There is much more required of us. We need a national revival - and it must start with you and me.
The moral decline of society is indeed disconcerting, yet it is important to remember that God is in control. Our Lord has power over all that is in heaven and earth and He alone has the power to transform our nation.
"Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name."
1 Chronicles 29:11-13
To learn more about what the prophet Hosea had to say and how it applies to us today, we encourage you to listen to Chuck's study titled Hosea, Can You See?
