August 30

Ezekiel 9-12
“Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people.”  Do you ever feel like these words are for you?  Maybe I’m a little paranoid, but I often feel like these words are for me, and for every other Christian living in America.  I generally try to live my life as an optimist.  Indeed, as I consider how God has blessed me, I have nothing but good to speak and feel.  However, when I consider our nation and how far she is removed from her Christian roots, I see the Lord removing His blessings, and I despair.  Jehovah was speaking through His man, Ezekiel, to the house of Israel, God’s chosen people.  America is not Israel, however, His chosen people, Christians, has lived here in abundance, and has enjoyed the blessings of His favor on our nation for more than two millennia.  During that time, we have witnessed the ways of the world infiltrating our ranks.  Over the last several decades many churches have left the bedrock principles of the Bible, replacing it with societal mores and pseudo-scientific doctrine.  In many congregations and sects we witness the rebellious leaders rejecting Biblical injunctions in favor of current political correctness.  When these are approached by Christians proclaiming God’s word, they refuse to see and hear the truth, often discounting the words of the Bible by boldly proclaiming that it is a book that was written for another people in another time, and at another place.  With this rebellious position, one is left without Divine guidance.  These rebellious people are following their own way, stubbornly refusing to acknowledge clear Biblical doctrine.  Furthermore, when one stands for God’s truth, they are labeled as radical, right-wing, Christian extremists.  The day is fast approaching when those who speak against evil will be charged with hate speech and face fine, imprisonment, or both.  Yet, if you are one of those who stand for Biblical truth, you can know with certainty that the Lord stands with you, and that He will bless you.  Dear Lord, I lift up our nation to you, and the church that lives within her.  Open our eyes to your truth.  Unstop our ears so that we might hear, repent, and return the solid principles that can only be found in your word, the Bible.  Through Jesus, I pray.  Amen!