And He said to them, "It is written,'My house shall be called a house of prayer,’…”
Matthew 21:13 NKJV

Friday, October 1, 2010

Political Statement

This seems like the appropriate time for a political statement. The issues are complex, and I could write a lot about any one of them, but let’s keep it simple. Consider this verse:

Therefore the LORD said: "Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men, Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work Among this people, A marvelous work and a wonder; For the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, And the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden." (Isa 29:13-14)

In this verse, inept leadership was a judgment from God against an apathetic nation. So if fools rule over us, who is to blame? I don’t think we have any idea of the power the church has to shape this nation, nor of the responsibility we bear. And while I’m all for being involved in the political process, that’s only part of the answer. The real solution is found in II Chronicles 7:14.

Put another way, the Chronicles verse tells us what happens when God’s people pray. The Isaiah verse tells us what happens when we don’t.

I must admit I’ve done my share of complaining about our current political situation. But I’m making it my goal that when I get to heaven it will be recorded that my cumulative prayer for our nation exceeded my complaints. If you can relate, I’ll see you at the prayer meeting.