WE’RE IN THE BIBLE
Isaiah 65:1 I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.
If there is a specific reference to the United States of America in the Bible, it continues to elude. Yet, is there any other nation which fits better into the pigeonhole of this verse? Other nations have beheld God and given glory to Jesus Christ in their governing. But what other nation’s birth came with eyes set squarely on God?
Is there any other nation but America that was protected and prospered beyond man’s reasonable measure in its foundling years? When the full weight of British imperial might fell against our shores in 1812, only God brought us through. In the days of that brief war God’s providence was apparent. In almost 200 years of 20/20 hindsight the apparent providence has only become a certainty. As the country transformed itself from a fledgling to maturity in civil war God was still on our side. Was God on the side of the North or South? God was with both. It was not in God’s plan for this nation to have two sides and be divisive and contentious in future conflict. It was also not in God’s plan for inequality to continue in all its various forms. In one stroke, admittedly a very costly stroke, our nation was healed of the inequality in economy, slavery, politics, policy, and loyalty. Oh, the power of prayer! America’s period of adolescence took a heavy toll. In the end we came forth strong and prepared for future events of which only God was privy. We can go on and on about God’s control and design for our nation in every aspect of its myriad parts. Should we consider first invention or industrialization? Maybe we should explore inspiration and innovation? God helped us grow!
Did God look down and say, “I’ll have that nation.” Certainly not, he’d already done just that with Israel, (I am sought of them that asked not for me;). Rather, this nation looked up and said, “I’ll have God”, (I am found of them that sought me not;).
Where would this world be without the might of America against the blitz of Hitler, iron curtain of Communism, and the constancy of repressive despots? America is by no means only great in its protective might, but in its ever flowing message of the gospel of Christ. The generals and admirals of WWII met with the leaders of the United States and implored them to open wide the doors to missionaries and preachers in every defeated nation. The power of the gospel is immeasurable.
Perhaps America is the pinnacle of God’s designing influence in the governments of the world. America gained prominence in the world at a most opportune time. Suppose America today had to face the ravages of war torn Europe and envious Japan? Would the current state of the union be able to cope with such a dire threat? The war to end all wars was only the opening act in world war. By the time Hitler had made his move, America was primed for action and desperate for a win of any kind. We could not sustain the same level of intensity in today’s world. It had to be at that particular time. Today we would vacillate, demonstrate, and finally capitulate to such a great aggression. It’s a wonder we made it to the end of the Cold War. Had we not had great leaders at times when greatness was needed the Russian communists would now claim victory as we did when the wall fell. Imagine a strong communist Russia in today’s world. Isn’t there still a strong communist China? If China leaps in tiger fashion will the sleeping giant awake?
At the close of WWII God had set the stage for the rebirth of Israel. Has God’s attention moved elsewhere?
God is no respecter of persons and no respecter of nations. It is we who must be respecters of God’s nation. God has not moved away. But we must ask, have we?
Wars have progressed from individuals, families, towns, cities, countries, and to nations. The last escalation of war was world war. As this world progresses the wars seem to escalate. The next great escalation will be from beyond this world. The next war will be a heavenly endeavor under the command of the King of Kings.
When God judges the nations, how will America fare? Here again is America in the Bible among all the nations. Some picture America as a two faced entity that pushes good and bad with indiscriminate fervor. As the gospel traverses the globe in the hands of American missionaries, the condemnation of America travels at digital speed to deliver a disproportionate share of evil intent. We fight a war against insurgents and terrorists overseas and domestically declare American’s fundamental Christian beliefs to be more extreme and destructive. Our nation has always been double minded. There have always been dual endeavors. In the beginning evil had a very small place at our nations table. As we developed evil seems to have carved out its own table and shoved Jesus, righteousness, justice, liberty, and loyalty out the door.
Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” As a nation we invited Him in. If we haven’t yet we are very close to kicking Him out. Jesus will be at the head of the table of every nation some day. Our distinction is that Jesus will be retuning to a prepared and cherished seat; a distinction no other nation can claim. For that claim we are both blessed and cursed. We have been blessed greatly. The curse will be America’s extreme judgment. It is better that a man had never known God than to have known, rejected, and reviled. The same can be said of nations. Perhaps, only Israel will succeed America in penalty, though in Israel’s case they might gain credit for time served. How will the judgment of nations affect those of the nations? We are simply told the nations will be judged.
America is in the Bible, just as each of us is in the Bible.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Whosoever is me, you and everyone else. Isn’t that great!
Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Oops, there we are again!
