Help for America
“…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)
In 1 Samuel 4, we see how the Philistines beat Israel in a battle: “…and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men.” (1 Samuel 4:2) The leaders in Israel did not know how this could have happened: “Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us today before the Philistines?”
After all, this was Israel! God had saved them from Egyptian bondage, led them through the wilderness, and helped them conquer heathen nations. How could the Lord let this happen?
Then they said, “Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.” (1 Samuel 4:3) They should have known that this was a bad idea. The ark represented God’s presence. It was to be treated with reverence, not to be used as a good luck charm.
Yet it almost worked. When the Philistines heard the ark was in Israel’s camp, they were afraid and said, “Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness.” (1 Samuel 4:8)
Yet a voice told them, “Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.” (1 Samuel 4:9) The Philistines did fight and won. Thirty thousand Israelite soldiers were killed. The ark was captured. It was a heartbreaking defeat, but Israel needed to start taking God and His Word seriously. They needed to turn to Him in a heartfelt way for forgiveness and help.
Now think of America. We gained independence from England. Our coins say “In God We Trust.” Federal buildings have Scripture passages. Congress opens sessions with prayer. We have a strong spiritual heritage, but how much of it nowadays is just empty religious formality?
Sin hardens people’s hearts against God, and America has a big sin problem. Liquor, tobacco, pornography, and gambling are huge industries. Sexual sin is almost a norm. “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34) Could God give us a hard lesson in repentance as He did Israel? Yes. Can anything be done? Two things, actually.
First, we can share God’s Word. God’s Word touches hearts as man’s word cannot: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,” (Hebrews 4:12) We can also pray. Our verse says JUST ONE PERSON praying will make a difference. If you know Jesus as Saviour, pray for leaders by name. Pray for them to see their need for Christ and to honor Him. God helped Israel when they turned to Him. God can do the same with America.
If you want to see how to have your sins forgiven and have a home in heaven, please go to www.clevelandbaptist.org, click “Helpful Links,” then “How Do I Go to Heaven?”
Brian Miller 6/1/2022
Cleveland Baptist Church 4431 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144 216/671-2822