PSALM 32:12, 16-19: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
“The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.” (ESV)
OBSERVATION: We are in the midst of a Presidential election year in the United States. Everyone has their eye on a different candidate that they hope will bring about the change that is needed in our country. There is only one problem – no one agrees on what that change should be, and no one man can achieve this change.
When our Founding Fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence, and our Constitution, they did so from a Biblical worldview. There may be some who would argue that not all the Founding Fathers were Christian. This is really a moot point, because their culture was. The moral and spiritual principles of the Scriptures were the guiding light for the laws and principles that formed our nation. There are a host of quotes that could be cited from our Founding Fathers, including those who many say were not Christians. In essence they all agreed on one important point – without morality our nation would be in peril.
The Psalmist understands the very same thing when he writes – “”Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!” It is not a great army, nor is it our human wisdom that will save our nation from the perils it faces. Throughout our history God has visited our land with Great Awakenings that have turned hardened and rebellious hearts away from sin and self reliance, back to humility and reliance upon God. God always responds to the cry of a humble heart. Oh, that we as a nation would cry out to Him with humble hearts!
Some may say it is too late. We live in a post Christian culture. The values of our Founding Fathers are not only being challenged, they are being dismantled before our very eyes. Those who believe in the Judaeo-Christian values that were the foundation of our great nation are also tempted to look to government and a man to solve this problem. Yet, there is no salvation in a man, a program, or a great army. The only hope for America is when God’s people repent and call upon His name. The reality is – as the Church goes, so goes the Nation.
On the Fourth of July I used to celebrate waving the flag of our Nation. I still respect the flag immensely. However, I feel a greater calling than waving our flag. I am overwhelmed with a call to return to the ultimate calling that I have received from the Father. I need to lift up the Cross of Jesus Christ! I need to live for the Cross of Jesus Christ! I need to cling to the Cross of Jesus Christ! It is only through the completed work of the Cross of Jesus Christ that we find life and hope. Only Jesus can change our hearts! Only changed hearts can change a nation!
Lord, this morning I come to the foot of Your Cross. I humble myself before You. I have placed my faith and hope in people, programs, and human strength. I have not put the fear of the Lord before me at all times. This morning – I choose Jesus! May He be Lord over my life in everything I am, everything I do, and everything I hope for.
Lord – change my heart, so that I can change the world! In Jesus Name!
