The events of September 11, 2001 remain very much in our thoughts as a nation. It appears, at least for the moment, God has gotten our attention. As C.S. Lewis remarked, "Pain is God's megaphone." Prayer, Bible reading, and even theological discussion has found its way into the public arena once again. At the same time a new wave of patriotism has swept over our nation, as we unite together against the "forces of evil" embodied in Islamic terrorism.
In the midst of this I have sought to find Heaven’s perspective. I want to see the events of the day not from a loyal American perspective, but from the perspective of one whose primary citizenship is in Christ's Kingdom. To this end, the Old Testament prophets have come to my aid. Habakkuk, in particular, has been most helpful. I would encourage you to read the book of Habakkuk, and see the prophetic perspective God gave him regarding the Chaldean invasion of the Southern Kingdom (Judah). The Chaldeans who were a wicked, violent people were God’s instrument to judge His people. Could God being doing a similar thing through Osama bin Laden?
Billy Graham has been quoted as saying many years ago; “If God does not judge the United States, He will have to resurrect Sodom and Gomorrah and apologize.” Could this latest incident be a sign of His judgment? One thing is for certain; this event did not take our sovereign God by surprise. It is difficult to envision the God who has so richly blessed and protected our nation setting His face against our land for judgment. If we think it couldn’t happen, we need only to look at God’s dealings with Israel, His chosen nation, who suffered some of His most severe discipline. I believe that our inability to face the reality of God’s harsh dealings with us is born out of our loyalty, love, and patriotism toward our country. In addition, we have been told that “love” means tolerance and acceptance of ungodly behavior, which the “God of love” must overlook. Yet, the Bible teaches, “whom the Lord loves He disciplines” (Heb.12:6; Rev. 3:19).
Are there nations much more wicked than the U.S.? In comparison with the heathen, paganistic nations that govern much of the world, we look pretty good. We abort babies, but not as many as China or Russia. We restrain sexual immorality from being broadcast over television, more than the Europeans. We still “tip our hat” toward God on occasion and have churches on almost “every street corner.” If God grades on the curve, we’re at the top of the class. We need to understand, however, that the standard by which God judges men and nations is not always the same. To whom much is given, much is required.
The origin of the U.S. is that of a Covenant nation. Our founding fathers, which were in reality the Puritans, understood the unique purpose for which God had chosen this nation. They envisioned that this nation was to be a “city set on a hill” and thus covenanted with God to see His purposes fulfilled. The earliest governmental document in our heritage, the Mayflower compact states:
“Having undertaken, for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith, and honor of our King and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic.”
The Lord has blessed our nation with unbelievable wealth in natural and human resources. He has blessed us with the highest standard of living in the world. Throughout our history, He has protected our nation because of the covenant entered into by our founding fathers. But sadly, we have over the years moved further, and further from the covenant. The sanctions of the covenant appear to be coming upon us.
At whose doorstep does the responsibility for this departure lie? Is it the homosexuals, the feminists, the pornographers, and the abortionists who are to blame? No— it lies at the doorstep of the Church, who has failed our nation. We have failed to be the salt and light God has called us to be. We have failed to function as the ekklesia (those who are “called out to rule”) and be servants to the people of our nation. We have been more concerned with getting out of here (and not being “left behind”), than we have been about God’s purposes. We have failed to fulfill our role as prophet and priest to our country. Sadly, there is little fear of God in the Church, so how can we expect any in the world?
George Barna recently completed a poll entitled, “A Look at Morality and the Church.” Its findings are quite revealing. For instance, 45% of those in mainline Christian churches said abortion was morally acceptable. (The general population figure is 36%). In addition, 20% of born again Christians agreed.
In response to the question “Is homosexuality an acceptable lifestyle?” 49% of mainline Christian answered yes, and 27% of born again believers agreed. Premarital sex was seen as fine by 54% of mainliners and by 36% of the born-againers. If I’m not mistaken we have a problem here.
The “wake up” call, which sounded in our nation on September 11th, must first be heard in the Church. The Bible tells us that, “judgment begins in the household of God” (I Peter 4:17). II Chronicles 7:14 declares that “If My people who are called by name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and heal their land.” It is my prayer that God will grant to us the grace to repent and return to Him, lest what we saw at the World Trade Center be only a beginning. It is a serious hour for the Church in America.
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