In a world bent on rebellion, the early chapters of Isaiah will lead to a very sobering study. As I was reading through the first couple of chapters recently, it was striking by how relevant they are to our world today. The Lord gave the prophecy about Israel, but it’s almost impossible to not draw parallels with most of our Western world, particularly the USA. Some believe America is modern-day Israel in terms of biblical prophecy.
I disagree, but that is not the point of this discussion. The point is to recognize God is consistent and will surely punish modern nations just as He did Israel in ancient times if we continue to rebel against Him. The Lord is exceedingly patient, but eventually, that patience will wane and His holiness will demand justice. Perhaps we are already seeing that justice revealed.
Despite attempts to rewrite history, God-fearing men and women who were seeking to create a community where the Word of God served as the law of the land were the founders of America. Not all who came were Christians, but almost all recognized the authority of God in the affairs of man. All fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence were Christians. America is a nation founded by Christian men and women, and based on Christian principles.
Since then, America has often stood as a shining city on a hill. No Country has sent more aid around the world. No one has sent more missionaries out to the darkest places on earth. For most of our existence, the world has known the USA to be a “Christian nation.” We could debate endlessly about these things, but just ask your great-grandparents whether this is true.
But back to Isaiah chapter one. Israel was God’s chosen people. They had taken that privilege for granted and had abandoned the truth. They were calling good evil and evil good (Isaiah 5:20), rebelling against all God had given them. The Lord said His people had abandoned, despised, and turned their backs on Him (Isaiah 1:4). We have done the same. We call murder healthcare and perversity normal. The people of our land no longer see God as the only authority in their lives. Churches have become sideshows, and the people of God have largely become shy and timid.
The punishment for Israel was extreme. Enemies overran the nation, and they carted the people off to foreign lands. Can we expect anything less? American Christianity has bred a generation of timid, weak, and fearful Christians. The only way out of this mess is for God’s people to fall on their faces and repent. We must repent of our shortcomings and the sins of our nation. Unless we pour out our hearts to God and beg for His redemption, we have no more hope for our country. If enough of His people will fall on their faces, repent, and serve Him as the Lord He is, perhaps He will relent in His judgment.
The days of easy Christianity are done. Now is the time of coming persecution. Most of us aren’t equipped to handle what’s coming. Our best defense is to get on our knees and pray. Only God will see us through these difficult times. Surrender your life to Jesus as Lord again today. There is no hope without Him, and He demands our complete surrender. I want to be a part of that remnant God uses to turn our country and perhaps our world back to Him. It won’t be easy or painless. But we’re already getting glimpses of what the alternative will look like. Be strong and courageous. Surrender anew to the One who gave His life for you. Pray without ceasing, repent, and look forward to the deliverance of Christ our King.