Psalms 33:12 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen as his heritage!" RSV
After reading this passage of Sacred Scripture this morning, I had to pause and reflect on what message the Lord was trying to send me...let me share my thoughts with you!
First of all, this passage is part of the Old Testament, and as such is part of both Jewish & Christian belief...
Then I asked myself...do I really believe we are a godly nation...my answer may surprise you...
Generally speaking, from my limited experience in interacting with people on a business level, I would say yes, most Americans, I believe, are a godly people---believing in SOME higher power, SOME supernatural creator, SOME primary cause, SOME positive force...call it what you will...
But that is NOT what the above passage implies...the passage specifically refers to a nation whose god is THE LORD...meaning a specific and unique God...a personal God, if you will...
Jews know this God to be the ONE GOD...Christians believe it to be JESUS HIMSELF...The Lord...
Now, the last thing I want is for this post to turn into a theology discussion...this is not the place nor am I the one to post such a thing...
Upon further reflection and thought, It is also my belief that we as Americans fall far short of being a 'nation whose God is The Lord'...why? Let me share my thoughts!
In a nation whose God is The Lord:
-The majority of people would SEEK HIM FIRST...it seems our focus is on the kingdoms of THIS world instead of the kingdom of heaven!
-The belief that LIFE is sacred and paramount to all other rights and privileges is held by ALL...in America it seems that most, maybe, but not ALL hold to this belief...
-The nation would not be split so 50/50 on issues...some espouse Christian values...some reject Christian values...some pray...some reject prayer...some believe in self reliance...others believe in socialism...
-The first thing people speak about in their daily goings and comings is the Lord and His Goodness...in our great Country the first things we speak about generally are sports, weather, material possessions, modern conveniences, money, politics, health, happiness, frustration, etc...all of which have merit of course...
-More would spend a greater time on their knees...instead of standing, sitting, lying down, walking, talking, gaming, texting, etc...yes, even blogging abour real estate...
Now, I am not writing this as an indictment of The American People...I am a firm believer that we are among the most generous people on earth...our philanthropists donate billions of dollars to worthy causes worldwide...even poorer citizens sacrifice for others less fortunate because they see others as brothers and sisters...professionals donate time, money, and services to those who are unable to afford their services...
In conclusion...Are we a 'good people'?...YES...Are we a caring people?...MOST TIMES...Are we headed in the right direction?...I'M NOT SURE...Each one of us must struggle with this question, get down on our knees and pray about it to get the answer...
But let me leave you with a sort of 'Scripture Sandwich'...I began with Psalms 33:12...let me conclude with 2 Chronicles 7:14...
"If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." ASV
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