Does the sky prove God loves America?

Something To Think About God's Love in the Sky: 9/16

Does God love America? Yes. But there is some nuance that a one word answer doesn't give.  I'll get back to it in a moment. I was watching the news this morning.  One of the talking heads was quite enamored with this picture (I think I have the right one.)  He, quoting the claims of the photographer, pointed out that the sky looks like the American flag.  He went on to say something about this beautiful scene demonstrating God's love for America. OK.  It is a pretty picture, and in the same way that kids watching clouds see horses and men with beards, I can see that it does have some resemblance to the Star-Spangled-Banner. It's been a tough time for Americans.  ISIS has beheaded two American journalists, and bragged about it by posting video and threats online.  A nation "liberated" at great cost--most significantly of lives--now is in peril of descending into . . . I can't think of a word horrible enough to describe the thought. Our most cherished pass-time, at the beginning of a new season, is marked by controversy and scandal. So in Rorschach manner it is no wonder that one looking at the sky at the picture above would see the symbol of our nation, and then grow on to conclude, "It means God loves us." Let's all be anchor-people at this point, and anchor our thinking and imagining to some reality.   Scripture does indicates that God is in control.  The Old-Testament books of Daniel and Esther abound with evidence of God's sovereignty.   Roman's 8:28 is a straight forward statement of that fact in regard to "those who love Him."  There are no exception sub-clauses in the verses that follow.  I conclude that God is in control of the sunrise and set.   But, But, BUT, our ability to read or decipher what events around us mean is very limited--maybe to the point of nonexistence.  If the appearance of the flag of one nation in the sky indicates God's favor, does the storm that bears down on another--and one doesn't have tax the memory to recall when that was my nation--indicate a lack of Divine favor?  Might Jihadis viewing the sky have concluded that this was a sign of God's confirmation of their plans to eliminate the nation that flies that flag? "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? (Romans 11:33-35) Does God Love America? Yes. He loves Mexico, Russia, England, Iraq, and Iran. He demonstrated His love for the world by the gift of His Son. ls God pleased with what America is doing.  Clearly, not always.  Thankfully my nation has done many things right.  Sadly, there is much that is wrong.  It's not painted in the sky; it's written in the Book.    “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)   Whatever nation one belongs to, whether that country is being blessed or headed for divine judgment, the Lord is willing to deal with individuals. More important than the question of whether God loves a nation is the assurance that God loves me. Have I responded to His love? It's Something to Think About. Click here to view a message about the bad news in the Bible that leads to good.

Something To Think About Patriotism, 7/4

Most of us will just enjoy the hot-dogs, parades and fireworks.  If you are one of those folk, then maybe I should just wish a Happy Fourth and say good-bye. For some, though, the place of patriotism in the life of a Christian is one that creates considerable tension.  Trevin Wax recently blogged about this.  Since he is probably taking the day off, and might not get around to reviewing my comment, you can find ithere. You would profit from reading Wax's thoughts, but here are his "Moving Forward" thoughts, with some additions, in italics, from me: American believers should give thanks to God for the blessings of our temporary earthly citizenship, as long as we emphasize blessings of belonging to the eternal, multinational family of God. When people in our culture are celebrating the benefits of earthly citizenship, American believers should seize the opportunity to communicate solid, biblical teaching on the distinction between earthly and heavenly citizenship.  We should use the privileges we have as earthly citizens to further the Kingdom of God. As American believers express gratitude for this nation, we should be careful not to diminish the value and worth of other nations.  Even in a small congregation like Covington Bible Church there are representatives of other nations. Pastors and church leaders should make it clear that American believers have more in common with Arab believers in Iraq and Syria than they do with their unbelieving next-door neighbors. This is true not only across national borders, but concerning the various sub-cultures within our own nation. There is something beautiful about a congregation that shows respect and gratitude to people who have served their neighbors well. When we recognize veterans or law enforcement officers, we are lifting up ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things for the good of their communities.  I have been profoundly moved in this regard, as I have visited  places that US forces liberated from tyranny, Dachau, Normandy, Gettysburg.  We can, and should be thankful, for those who served our nation, and accomplished much good.  We should not allow wars that didn't turn out so well, to cause us to lose all respect for those serve, and have served. As I write on this Fourth of July morning, my American flag is hanging on my front porch.  I hope with the proper understanding, I'll wave. It's STTA: