We have become a nation that is much like the former nation of Edom. Generally speaking, American people not only live with a false sense of security, but tend to manifest a spirit of defiance as well. The utter surprise of many in our nation that something like the 9-11 terrorist attacks could even happen in America, is proof of our false sense of security. The fact that we have not been defeated in previous wars, has led to a prideful spirit of defiance that declares we will not and cannot be defeated in future wars. We have responded to the terrorist attacks in our nation with great assurance and much certainty that “We will not be defeated!” Or as Edom once put it, “Who will bring me down to the ground?”
Yes, we Americans are quite sure of ourselves and of our future. There is one factor, however, that the American people have not generally considered. That factor is the sovereignty and decisions of Almighty God regarding America. If it is within God’s wisdom and providence to punish our nation for its pride, its false sense of security, and its spirit of defiance, He can and will do so. If He determines that the wealth, the support of our allies, the wisdom of our leaders, and the power of our military might shall be taken away, these will be taken away, and we, like Edom of old, will be a nation that cannot stand, no matter how loudly we sing “God Bless America” or declare that God is on our side.
God’s past judgment on the nation of Edom should be a concern to us today. The principles by which He judges nations have not changed (Jeremiah 5; Jeremiah 18:1-10). Almighty God “plucks up, pulls down and destroys” nations, and He “builds and plants” nations, based upon whether they will or will not abide by principles of righteousness. When a nation ceases to abide by principles of righteousness, it is a nation that is worthy of God’s judgment against them. As the Proverb writer stated, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
In the book of Amos 1-2, the prophet announced God’s decree of coming judgments against eight nations, including Israel and Judah. Each of these judgments against the nations was fulfilled either by the conquests of the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Macedonians, or the Nabateans. These chapters serve to remind us that God’s sovereignty extends over all nations – idolatrous nations, Jewish nations, and in principle, so called “Judeo-Christian” nations. The prophet Daniel said “God rules in the kingdoms of men” (Daniel 4:17). He is the sovereign ruler over all nations and America is not an exception. When any nation refuses to abide by principles of righteousness, when unrighteousness becomes the accepted way of life, it is a nation that is fit for God’s righteous judgment.
Sadly, some of these same abominations that are mentioned in Leviticus 18 are presently practiced in America today. How arrogant and presumptuous the American people have become, to think that such abominations can be practiced, condoned, or tolerated with impunity from the righteous judgment of God. As God made no distinction between the Jew or Gentile nations who practiced these things, we can be confident that America is no exception to the rule.
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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