God's Judgment

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2002
(Deuteronomy 8:19-20)

But if you forget about the Lord your God and worship other gods instead, and follow evil ways, you shall certainly perish, just as the Lord has caused other nations in the past to perish. That will be your fate, too, if you don't obey the Lord your God.

God's Judgment. Much was made by the media regarding comments made by Jerry Falwell on Pat Roberson's 700 Club, that what happened on 9/11 was God's judgment on the United States for our sin. Let me be up front and make sure you know that several of the theological degrees I hold are from Liberty University, Dr. Falwell's school. I will always be grateful for Liberty, but am NOT an apologist for the school or Dr. Falwell.

The error Dr. Falwell made was that in making such comments to a general audience, he should have taken the time to set up the theological context in which I am sure he meant them. Also, he should have been very clear that nobody knows the mind of God, but from Scripture, we can be assured of some things. I doubt that the media would have worried about the theological context, or the disclaimer on knowing God's will, but it would have made what he said, in that context 100% accurate. As a matter of fact, over these past three years, I have said many of those same things in these Devotionals about the sin that we have allowed to be part of our daily life here in the United States.

All throughout the Bible, taking the entire counsel of God into consideration, we see clearly that God has given man, His creation, freewill to obey Him or rebel. The Bible is also very clear that from obedience flow blessings, and from rebellion flow consequences. This holds true for each of us individually, as well as for nations. Israel is God's chosen people. Yet all throughout the Old Testament we read of how Israel was subject to God's judgment. Why? For their rebellion. For idolatry, for sexual sins, for putting other things before God. God is a God of grace, of love, but God is also a God of judgment. Nobody can know when God says enough is enough and allows His judgment to fall, but we know from Scripture that IT DOES HAPPEN!

Our nation is no different. As we follow God, keep Him first in our lives, strive to serve and glorify Him as a nation, we will reap the blessings of our obedience. However, should we chose to rebel against God, we are then subject to His wrath and His judgment. Especially over the last 40 years, look at what our nation has done. We have taken God out of the schools. We have made a mockery of the family. We have accepted sexual perversion. We have made money and the things of this world our god. We have allowed the Federal government to legalize the killing of millions and millions of innocent lives. How long do we honestly think that we can allow this in our nation, things that are in absolute rebellion to God, and expect Him to sit by and continue to bless us? God is a God of mercy, but to challenge God's mercy is foolish, since He is also, very clearly, a God of judgment who will not be mocked.

Let me say, as Dr. Falwell should have emphatically said in his comments. There is NO WAY to know if what happened on 9/11 was a demonstration of God's judgment on this nation. To say so, is irresponsible. However, it is not only correct, but VERY RESPONSIBLE to say that how we have acted as a nation over the last 40 years is in utter rebellion to God and to think that we do not have to face the consequences of that rebellion at some time is diminishing who God is. We can not continue, as a nation, to simply thumb our nose at God and expect Him not to respond. Israel, God's chosen people tried it. Actually, they did it over, and over, and over. Read Hebrews 12:5 and 6.

And have you quite forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you, his child? He said, "My son, don't be angry when the Lord punishes you. Don't be discouraged when he has to show you where you are wrong. For when he punishes you, it proves that he loves you. When he whips you it proves you are really his child."

I am personally convinced that God loves this nation very much. Otherwise, He would have allowed us to be wiped out as He has so many other nations over the centuries.

I love you, and care about you very much. IN addition to all else that is going on, let the tragic events we lived through last year not only be a wake-up call to each of us individually, but also as a nation. We can not continue to rebel against God, and expect God not to respond. I pray today that as each one of us realizes our personal responsibilities in these incredible times that we are living, our nation will realize that we are special to God, loved by God, and should repay that love with our obedience to Him. Through all that is going on, may we pray today, that our nation realizes that God is a God of judgment, and we must turn from our evil ways and put Him back on top where He belongs. Read 2 Chronicles 7:14, and let that be your prayer for our great nation today!

Then if my people will humble themselves and pray, and search for me, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.

In His love and service,
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Bill Keller

If I can help you in any way you can contact me through my personal email at bkeller@liveprayer.com.

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