Sinful Nation

Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth!
For the LORD has spoken:
"I have nourished and brought up children,
And they have rebelled against Me...
Alas, sinful nation,
A people laden with iniquity,
A brood of evildoers,
Children who are corrupters!
They have forsaken the LORD...
If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
But if you refuse and rebel,
You shall be devoured by the sword."
Isaiah 1:2,4,19-20 NKJV

"If you do not carefully observe all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE LORD YOUR GOD ... it shall be, that just as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good and multiply you, so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you and bring you to nothing" (Deuteronomy 28:58,63 NKJV)

And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:47-48 NKJV)

Throughout history, God's people have repeated a cycle with certainty. God blesses. People are enamored with blessings, forget the Blessor, and fall into depravity. God warns to repent and is not heeded. God withholds blessing and His people suffer. God's people repent and cry out to God for mercy. God blesses.

A sinful nation should not be surprised if it lacks provision of resources or protection from enemies. Warfare and economic distress are clear warning to repent, individually and collectively. They usually result in mere whining until things are desperate and people finally seek God earnestly.

God does not change. New Testament grace grants eternal life but does not nullify Old Testament principles of blessing or curse in the face of obedience or sin.

And we who have received the Word of God's will are held to a higher standard.

Oh Lord our God, King of the Universe, Your goodness and holiness shall stand and not falter in the face of our sin. Please do not let the suffering of our nation be in vain, but turn hearts to repent, especially in these last hours. Please give Your people the will and strength to stand firm.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy