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July 4 Righteousness Exalts A Nation

(“Leader” is written in place of “king”)
A large population is a leader’s glory, but without followers a leader is ruined. ~Proverbs 14:28 

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. A leader delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant incurs wrath. ~Proverbs 14:34-35 

Blessed are the people of whom this is true; Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord. ~Psalm 144:15

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind. From His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth. He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. No government is saved by the size of its army. No warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance. Despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those that fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love, to deliver them from death, and keep them alive in famine. ~Psalm 33:12-19 

We, the citizens of the United States, have experienced something that not many in the world have experienced. Even throughout the ages, few have lived as we have lived. We have enjoyed the benefit of living in a nation whose foundation was pieced together by thoughts and words first. We have tasted freedoms that most can’t even imagine. How we experience life is not really normal, if you consider normal to be the average experience of most people around the world and throughout history. I don’t know if we think about that very often, but it’s true. 

“Righteousness exalts a nation.” As a nation, we have done many things that would make God smile. We have been His hands and feet in many situations. We have set captives free. We have sent food and other forms of aid to many in distress. In disasters, we are known for responding with aid and compassion. Let’s celebrate all the blessings we have received and all the blessings we have sent around the world, including missionaries. Our nation is the number one exporter of missionaries and Bibles. 

Sadly, not all has gone well. We also have our dark side. There are slavery, racism and abortion. We are also the number one exporter of pornography and that far exceeds the export of Christian missionaries and materials! And tragically our missionaries have sometimes softened potentially hostile peoples and prepared the way for their military conquest. Think of how we treated the native Americans in our own land! 

I don’t enjoy dwelling on these sins. Today is our birthday! Yet, I ask you to remember the benefits of confession and mixed in with our prayers of thanksgiving for all that we have been given, let’s confess what we know that we have not done right and pray for those who have been victims of our blunders and choices. 

When I read the Old Testament, and the history of Israel, I’m always amazed at how the children of Israel could turn their backs on such a gracious Father. Yet, they did. They grew prosperous and powerful and forgot the source of all of their blessing. God warned them again and again to remember and turn back, but they refused. We might be no different than Israel, but for us, it’s still not too late. God still hears prayers. He still longs to be gracious. He is full of mercy and compassion and His eyes are still on those who hope in Him. Let us pray. 

Prayer: Father God, even in ancient Israel, there was always a remnant of the faithful, confessing the sins of the national leaders who led the people away from you and into idolatry, and praying for revival and restoration. That is why the writings of the prophets are still with us today, preserved by the faithful at a time when kings burned the scrolls. And though I may not be personally guilty of any of the sins of the past leaders of this land, or my ancestors, I am grieved that such things happened, and some stull are happening! I do thank you for the wrongs that have been righted. And I pray that you will forgive! Hear our prayers, oh Lord, and heal our land, raise up leaders who will turn to you and promote a healthy respect for You and Your Word. May all come to faith and appreciation of Your Love, Wisdom and Glory, so that one day prayers may even be allowed in schools again!  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Song: America The Beautiful 

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