United We Stand, Divided We Fall
“In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:25
In my study of the Book of Judges a while back, I wrote down some thoughts, as follows, on the above verse. Bear in mind that these notes were written three years ago before COVID-19, the rioting and destruction that has taken place recently across our land, and the hatred among groups had become so fierce.
“Once again we are reminded that every man was doing right in his own eyes. When God’s standard is rejected, folks can justify just about any action they undertake to solve a problem, settle a dispute, or reach their own self-appointed goals. This is where we are today. Every man, that is those who are not committed to a right relationship with their Creator through His Son, Jesus Christ, is doing what will benefit him and his. People are so divided now. The devil is certainly taking advantage of man’s self-centered pride. Until II Chronicles 7:14 is taken seriously, that is, until God’s people become humble, seek God in prayer, and turn from sin, complacency, indifference, selfishness, and pride, we need not expect our current situation of divisiveness, hostility, and hatred to end.
I realize that this is a rather pessimistic view of our nation and our world, but our morals and respect for authority and regard for the sovereignty of God has decreased greatly and, I am afraid, will continue to degrade until nearly all hope is lost for our once great nation. What will it take to turn it around, to enable people to see the error of their ways and repent, throwing ourselves on the mercy of God? Without deep contrition and earnest repentance, America will go “the way of Cain” reaping the consequence of the sin she has sown. The United States of America is not mentioned in Biblical prophecy possibly indicating that in the end times, she has ceased to exist as a sovereign nation. If indeed these are the last days, the decline of our once great nation may continue its slide into the pages of obscurity. However, God is a God of second chances, but like a cat who’s on his ninth life, we may have passed the point of no return.” May 31, 2017
As I read over these words, I can’t help but think that we are truly on that slippery slope into obscurity. Things have certainly not gotten any better over the last three years. They have become worse. People are filled with fear because they don’t see much hope for turning this dreadful situation around any time soon. Jesus said in Luke 21:26 that in the last days that men’s hearts would fail them for fear. Folks always fear the unknown. We’ve not been this way before, at least, not exactly like what we are going through now. No matter who wins the next election, it won’t change the hearts of people. Only God can do that. And it is in the hearts of people where the problem lies.
Jesus also said, “In your patience possess ye your souls” (Luke 21:19). I suppose one could put that in today’s vernacular as, “Don’t lose your cool, keep your head straight, don’t let your feathers get ruffled by things over which you have no control, and be pro-active, not reactive.” The most important thing to remember is that God is in control and nothing takes Him by surprise. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).