September 14, 2010 Hastening Righteousness

As I read the O.T. prophets I sometimes wonder what kind of relevancy there is in them (for myself, for us right now) .  I love to find the passages that speak directly of Christ, so of course I'm always looking for that.  But what of the rest of it?  It's easy to want to pass over it.  Today though, since the coming elections are on my mind (I've been seeking the Lord for ways to pray for the nation), these prophetic words take on a poignant application. 

One thing we can see in the prophetic writings, especially the ones of judgment on particular nations, is what is it that pleases God in a nation, and what brings His anger and judgment?  I see a clear "compare and contrast" of the rulership of Christ vs. the rulership of earthly kingdoms.  If we're open to it, I think we will be able to see our nation, with its government and leadership, as God sees it.  We will have a clearer vision of what we should look for in our leaders, and we will be able to see what the future outcomes will be of the decisions made in our government.  As the constituents of a democracy, the responsibility for these falls on us.

Rather than attempt to tell you (or myself) what to think or pray, I'm simply going to point out the sides of the "balance" that I see.  I don't want the proclamation on us in the heavenlies to be you've been weighed in the balance and found wanting.  On God's right hand is Christ, the King, and His righteous character.  On the left is that which, eventually, will be separated out and destroyed.

In mercy the throne will be established;
And One will sit on it in truth, in the tabernacle of David,
Judging and seeking justice and hastening righteousness.
Isaiah 16:5

We know that Jesus Christ is returning to reign on Earth, and that His reign will be just, righteous and true.  But anyone who wants to can willingly give up the throne and allow Him to rule right now (in the future, it will be mandatory).   This is simply recognizing the reality that Jesus is actually Lord.  "All authority in heaven and earth is given to me."  The truth is, there is only one throne.  Anyone in it other than Him is a usurper and will be overthrown.  It is easy enough to tell who is on the throne-- in my own life and in the nations.

PRIDE
We have heard of the pride of Moab—
He is very proud—
Of his haughtiness and his pride and his wrath;
But his lies shall not be so.
Therefore Moab shall wail for Moab;
Everyone shall wail.
Isaiah 16: 6-7a

Pride is what brought Satan down, and what will bring every nation and every individual to a fall. 

The first and best thing we can each do for our nation is to go before the Lord and allow Him to reveal Himself to us.  In His presence, our own pride and haughtiness are revealed.  The places where we do not allow Him to rule are revealed.  If we allow Him to take the logs out of our eyes, we may, with His grace, have a clear enough vision to see the faults of our nation and take them before the Lord in humble intercession.

Questions to ponder:
We often hear the statement God Bless America!  Do you say it?
Have you ever taken for granted the fact of God's blessing the nation?
What do we need to do as a nation to reap God's blessings?
On what is the Lord dealing with you today to help you be a better citizen:
1) of the Kingdom of God 2) of the country you live in?