August 1

2 Kings 20-21
When one looks at the evil Manasseh did in his long reign it is difficult to understand how the people stood for it.  However, they not only allowed it to happen, but they joined in, following his wicked ways.  The people God had chosen for His very own were now worshiping the gods of the surrounding nations.  Manasseh actually placed idols in the temple.  What causes people who have been so openly blessed to turn their backs on the one who provided those blessings?  I believe that I am witnessing the same thing in America.  We are a nation that has enjoyed the bounty of God’s richest blessings for more than two centuries.  Yet, as a nation, we have turned from God to worship of man and his knowledge.  Like a spoiled teenager, we no longer listen to our Father because we believe that we have all the answers.  Perhaps that’s the key.  The blessings have been so great that we take them for granted and, in our human weakness, we begin to think that we have somehow earned the right to possess that which we’ve received.  Maybe not.  These are simply the ramblings of an old man who has become disillusioned with our nation.  If you have a more plausible answer, I would sure love to hear it!