How to Change a Nation
How to Change a Nation
2 Kings 9-13
“But Jehu was not careful to walk in the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam which he made Israel sin.”
When we read the history of the nations of Judah and Israel, it is a history wrought with political assassinations, manipulations, and deception. In the time covered in chapters 9-13, we see four different leaders assassinated. We also see that all the kings of Israel were wicked and refused to obey God, and of the kings of Judah, only 1 (Joash) followed after God, but in the end, he too abandoned God. The northern nation of Israel continued on the pathway of spiritual idolatry and delinquency. The southern nation of Judah would also continue in their spiritual decline, although Joash did seek to lead the country in a spiritual revival. During his reign, he led a restoration of the temple, which had declined because of neglect. However, at the end of his reign, he would abandon the worship of God and would put to death the sons of the High Priest, and as a result, he too would be judged by God (see 2 Chronicles 24).
In the political turmoil in the land of Israel and Judah, we see parallels to our own country. Our country is divided along political lines, with each party more concerned about its own agenda than doing what is right. But the problems we see in the political arena point to a deeper issue: the abandonment of God and His moral law. In the last 30 years, our nation has shifted to a post-Christian culture. We continue to see the rejection of biblical morality. When a nation rejects God and His truth, the inevitable result will be moral and political chaos.
However, all is not lost, and we are not hopeless. God was still at work even as Judah and Israel descended into their political and moral abyss. While God brought judgment in the form of military defeat, God was still demonstrating His grace and compassion. Even as Judah and Israel were in turmoil, we read in 13:23, “But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion on them and turned to them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them or cast them from His presence until now.” Even as God brings His judgment and discipline upon a nation that rejects Him, He still demonstrates His grace by His offer of forgiveness and salvation. The political process will not solve our nation's problems, for the issues are far deeper. But there is hope for us, for if we turn to God and seek Him, He will bring salvation and deliverance. The answer to the turmoil in our nation is not in our vote but in our heart, and it does not begin with who we vote for but our repentance and surrender to God. If you want to make a difference in our culture and nation, start by looking at your relationship with Christ. Are you living in obedience to Him? Second, we change our culture and nation by pointing people to Christ. He provides the answer we need. Are we as passionate about Christ as we are about our politics? Instead of looking to our political party or leaders, we need to start looking to God, who governs the universe and determines who rises to power. Instead of talking about the political problems, start talking about Christ. Then we will genuinely make a difference in our nation.
2 Kings 9-13
“But Jehu was not careful to walk in the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam which he made Israel sin.”
When we read the history of the nations of Judah and Israel, it is a history wrought with political assassinations, manipulations, and deception. In the time covered in chapters 9-13, we see four different leaders assassinated. We also see that all the kings of Israel were wicked and refused to obey God, and of the kings of Judah, only 1 (Joash) followed after God, but in the end, he too abandoned God. The northern nation of Israel continued on the pathway of spiritual idolatry and delinquency. The southern nation of Judah would also continue in their spiritual decline, although Joash did seek to lead the country in a spiritual revival. During his reign, he led a restoration of the temple, which had declined because of neglect. However, at the end of his reign, he would abandon the worship of God and would put to death the sons of the High Priest, and as a result, he too would be judged by God (see 2 Chronicles 24).
In the political turmoil in the land of Israel and Judah, we see parallels to our own country. Our country is divided along political lines, with each party more concerned about its own agenda than doing what is right. But the problems we see in the political arena point to a deeper issue: the abandonment of God and His moral law. In the last 30 years, our nation has shifted to a post-Christian culture. We continue to see the rejection of biblical morality. When a nation rejects God and His truth, the inevitable result will be moral and political chaos.
However, all is not lost, and we are not hopeless. God was still at work even as Judah and Israel descended into their political and moral abyss. While God brought judgment in the form of military defeat, God was still demonstrating His grace and compassion. Even as Judah and Israel were in turmoil, we read in 13:23, “But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion on them and turned to them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them or cast them from His presence until now.” Even as God brings His judgment and discipline upon a nation that rejects Him, He still demonstrates His grace by His offer of forgiveness and salvation. The political process will not solve our nation's problems, for the issues are far deeper. But there is hope for us, for if we turn to God and seek Him, He will bring salvation and deliverance. The answer to the turmoil in our nation is not in our vote but in our heart, and it does not begin with who we vote for but our repentance and surrender to God. If you want to make a difference in our culture and nation, start by looking at your relationship with Christ. Are you living in obedience to Him? Second, we change our culture and nation by pointing people to Christ. He provides the answer we need. Are we as passionate about Christ as we are about our politics? Instead of looking to our political party or leaders, we need to start looking to God, who governs the universe and determines who rises to power. Instead of talking about the political problems, start talking about Christ. Then we will genuinely make a difference in our nation.
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