AMERICA
AT A CROSSROADS
INTRODUCTION
Is America at a crossroads, along with other nations, in relationship to God or are they already on a road that will bring God's judgment? Are we seeing the taking away of the protective hedge mentioned in the Parable of the Vineyard?
The Prophet Isaiah, in speaking the words of the Lord, revealed how God had planted a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: He fenced it, and gathered (cleared) out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes (Isaiah 5:1-2).
God's response: What could have been done more in my vineyard that I have not done in it? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes (Isaiah 5:4).
America at a Crossroads
Judgment Pronounced
God's continued response: I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up (consumed); and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden (trumpled) down. And I will lay it waste: it shall be be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers, and thorns.
I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment (justice), but behold oppression (ungodliness); for righteousness, but behold a cry (Isaiah 5:5-7).
It was noted that this parable was in reference to the men of Judah and the house of Israel who were condemned for parading their sin before God, without shame or remorse, and would bring judgment. Could it not apply to nations who have allowed the reign of ungodliness; instead of adhering to the righteousness of God?
Is there a Controversy
Scripture reveals: Hear the Word of the Lord, you children of Israel: for the Lord has a controversy (charge against) the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out (break all restraints), and blood touches blood (bloodshed follows bloodshed) (Hosea 4:1-2).
Does God have a controversy with America and other nations; is America at a crossroads, along with other nations? If so, if they continue sliding deeper and deeper into the cesspool of filth and degradation; flaunting their sins openly, what would preclude God's judgment?
Sowing to the Flesh
What makes America, or any nation, think they can weigh in on a sinful nature and not be weighed in the balance and found wanting (Daniel 5:27)? Scripture reveals: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting (Galatians 6:7-8).
It was noted that sowing to the flesh means to conduct oneself by the evil dictates and desires of the sinful nature, thus practicing the deeds of the flesh. Such a person shall reap corruption, that is be requited with eternal destruction. Sowing to the Spirit means to live y His enabling help in accordance with the Spirit's (Spirit of God) prompting and leading. Such a person shall reap life everlasting, that is, be rewarded with eternal life.
Hardening of the Heart
Apostle Paul wrote: Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through (because of) the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness (hardening) of their heart. Who being past feeling have given themselves over to lasciviousness (that which is lewd or lustful), to work all uncleanness with greediness (Ephesians 4:18-19).
There are those who flaunt the Word of God by misinterpreting it, or ignoring it, to suit their own purpose or lifestyle. They have alienated themselves from a life in God by not accepting His Word at its face value. The road of ungodliness will only lead to destruction unless one comes to realization of the error of their way with repentance coming forth.
Space for Repentance
God through His mercy gives space for repentance. Apostle Peter noted: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (destruction of the ungodly), as some men count slackness: but is long-suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9); unless one has become so entrenched in sin they will not hear what "Thus Saith the Lord" and repent.
It was noted that God is not willing that any should perish clearly expresses desire for the salvation of all who will trust in Him. America at a crossroads, and other nations, places them in a dangerous position, unless they come to repentance at Nineveh of old. Concerning Nineveh Scripture reveals: God saw their works, that they turned away from their evil way; and God repented (relented) of the evil, that he had said that he would do to them; and he did it not (Jonah 3:10).
It was noted that God did not change in His ultimate intention toward the Ninevites; rather, they changed in their attitude toward Him. On the basis of that change, God could deal with them in grace, rather than in judgment as their failure to repent would have necessitated. The same opportunity is afforded any nation who responses in like manner.
A Deceptive Spirit
America at a crossroads concept, along with other nations, has happened by allowing a deceptive spirit to sweep through the land; with a flood of ungodliness that washes away everything in its path. We are seeing the crumbling of once held godly values; as ungodliness sweeps aside the morals of yesteryear, bringing America at a crossroads, along with any nation that forsakes God.
Apostle Peter noted: There were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily (secretly) shall bring in damnable (destructive) heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious (destructive) ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of (blasphemed) (2 Peter 2:1-2).
Is America at a crossroads, as well as other nations; if so, they need to decide which way they will go. The Word of God does not change to blend in with the environment, or culture, but is everlasting to everlasting, and changes not. It is those who want acceptance of their ungodly ways, and lifestyles, that would attempt to alter that Word.
A Christian Heritage
America was birthed in God; its founding fathers had a Christian heritage and established this nation on godly precepts. This Christian heritage has been maintained until a relatively few short years ago; with much transpiring that has placed America at a crossroads. If it continues in its ungodly present trend it can only lead to the judgment of God rather than continuation of His merciful hand and blessings.
In the past God used men of God to help set spiritual forces in motion that would preclude His judgment (America at a crossroads category); with repentance coming into focus. Even today, God has His watchman sounding the alarm, giving warning of that which is coming.
Pathway Towards
Reconciliation
God's Word reveals a pathway towards reconciliation; rather than America at a crossroads category: If my people who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).
But if you turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have given you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; then will I pluck you up by the roots out of my land which I have given you; and this house, which I have sanctified (set apart) for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it a proverb and a byword among all nations (2 Chronicles 7:19-20).
It was noted that while this promise was originally given to King Solomon regarding the people of Israel, it is certainly applicable to all who will call on the Lord in repentance and faith. If America is at a crossroads, along with other nations, will they make the necessary change to return to God?
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