The Gift of a Nation.
When Abraham walked the earth with God he was promised that his descendants would make up a great nation in land that was promised to them by God. God promised this to Abraham for his faithfulness and obedience. Both of Abraham’s offspring became the foundation for nations of people. Following a man named Moses the descendants of Isaac, Abraham’s son, were led to the land that was promised to them and through their obedience the nation of Israel was born.
Two hundred and thirty three years ago a new nation was formed. Among the people that came to inhabit this new land were scores of Christians that were seeking to escape persecution in their homelands. Many of the homelands hand state endorsed religions having the policy that the national religion must be followed. Many political reasons can also be sighted for the creation of this new nation but the foundation of laws were based on Christian-Judeo values and religious freedom was established. Through writings and recorded events we know that the faith of the founders played highly in their every day life. Prayer was a must at the beginning of every meeting with requests for guidance and blessings from God. By all accounts the military force formed by this fledgling nation was no match for the forces of the homeland and there was confidence that the superior forces would quickly put down the rebellion. Much like Joshua leading the nation of Israel to their promised land, the leaders of this aspiring new nation prayed and sought the blessing of God to give them this nation to save them from oppression. There are reports from numerous sources that General George Washington prayed before battles seeking the favor of the Almighty God, there is even a painting commemorating this event. Against all odds this new nation was formed and independence was gained from the former homeland. Within the last few decades their has been a push to remove the influence of God from the nation that He blessed two hundred and thirty three years ago. The misguided thoughts and beliefs of a few are letting this happen. What is the cost of removing God from the life of a nation?
After time past the people of Israel came under the influence of other nations and strayed from God and did not seek His blessings and at such times God gave the people over to their enemies. Repentance brought redemption but straying would bring punishment. After generations of this behavior the nation of Israel was routed and scattered throughout the lands. The nation of Israel did not exist from about 70 A.D. until 1948 when the nation was reformed by the international community following World War II. Almost one thousand eight hundred and eighty years without a country. What would that mean to us today? Could you imagine being just a visitor no matter where you went because you country no longer existed?
I wonder if the people of the United States of America could learn anything from the story of the nation of Israel. Could you imagine the United States ceasing to exist? Yes it can happen, anything is possible. Learn from the past. Learn what had happened to a nation that turned its back of God.
