“The people will be fuel for the fire, and no one will spare even his own brother. They will attack their neighbor on the right but will still be hungry. They will devour their neighbor on the left but will not be satisfied. In the end they will even eat their own children.” – Isaiah 9:20
As much as I hate to admit it, I was simply skimming over Isaiah 9 in my nightly devotions, when I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to read the second part over again. And then again. Why? I wondered. The first part is great. The first part involves key prophecies and verses included in sermons around Christmastime.
But God talks to us through His Word, and though its thousands of years old, it is still relevant. It will always be relevant. He is God, and He does not change.
Yes, when we read, we’re to read things in context. But while we read, we’re supposed to pray and talk to Him and ask Him to reveal certain things to us.
And I don’t know about you, but the verse, “They will attack their neighbor on the right but will still be hungry. They will devour their neighbor on the left but will not be satisfied,” – certainly seem like what’s going on in America today.
We live in a world where people on both sides mock, ridicule, and completely lash out in hatred against the other side. We’re called stupid because we disagree with one side. If we like another side, we’re called other horrible things. We’re animals without a conscience.
Some people are refused service. Some people get yelled at. Some people are brutally beaten in the streets. Others are shot at.
What is this world coming to? Why can’t we all just agree to disagree? Isn’t that what we’ve done in the past? Have we changed so much that the span of eight years or four years can destroy the root of America? Freedom.
Freedom of religion. Freedom of speech. Freedom to live. Freedom of democracy. Freedom of a government that changes based on who the people elect. Freedom for the people to decide in another amount of time if that government needs to change, or its prospering and should stay the same. Freedom of agreeing to disagree with your neighbor.
One check mark doesn’t dictate our souls. One check mark doesn’t change how much God has blessed this country.
One government in turmoil doesn’t ruin everything.
America. Know her. Drive through her. Go see her national parks. Go see the glory of God’s creation in them. Drive down certain trails, and learn about the mysteries of our history. Go to certain cities and hear the history of how far she’s come. Learn about the brave men and women who have fought to keep her who she is. Go thank the veterans that deem her still worthy. The people themselves are the heart of America. The kindness, the accents, the food. In every state it’s a little different, but we all grew up placing our hands over our hearts for the same flag.
Are we to be so swayed by Hollywood and reporters? Are we to be swayed by certain representatives? Are we to allow ourselves to be brainwashed into thinking that violence and hatred against our opposing side is ok because we just know that they are wrong (and should totally be punished for it!)? Common sense alone should tell you that that kind of violence is evil.
Aren’t we human? Don’t we all watch the same sunsets? Don’t we all drive on the right side of the road (America, y’all!)? Don’t we all bicker about our sports teams and cheer like mad when they do great things? Is there anything more wonderful than a newborn? Isn’t ice cream awesome?
Can’t we just hang up the TV, the rioting and the yelling, and educate ourselves on the candidates? And when we do that, how about we realize that those on the other side are human beings. We all drive on the right side of the road, like they do. Some yell for that sports team, like you do. Some are coffee addicts, like you are. Some won that hot dog eating contest, just like you did. Some graduated from that awesome university, just like you did. Some have fought for this country, like they have on your side. Some have died for this country, as they have on your side.
This country will never be perfect. Our government will never be just right. But let’s hold onto the freedoms that we hold so dear, and have faith in the One who inspired our founders to fight for freedom. The One Who is freedom. The One Who loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son.
And that Son is our hope. No earthly government will ever be the essence of peace and perfection, but we can have faith that we will see that one day. Because God’s Word says so:
“For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen.” – Isaiah 9:6-7
-ASD
Originally posted in 2018*
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