In answer to our questions, the Scriptures teach very clearly that God does indeed rule in the kingdoms of men. Consider the following scriptures. Jeremiah 5:15 Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith Jehovah: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say. Jeremiah 25:12-13 And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith Jehovah, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans; and I will make it desolate for ever. And I will bring upon that land all my words which I have pronounced against it, even all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah hath prophesied against all the nations.
These two passages would be enough but consider also Habakkuk 1:5-11, Isaiah 10:5-11, II Chronicles 36:22-23.
As we read through the Old Testament we see how that God used one nation to execute his judgment upon another. We notice in the prophets that they warned the people that this is what was going to happen and we see in the books of history how it came to pass.
But since we are not bound by the Old Testament today we ask "Does He still rule today?" Again the answer can be found clearly stated in the New Testament. Consider: Romans 13:1 Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God. Can any misunderstand this clear statement? In the context we can observe that the powers of which it is speaking are governments and God puts them in place to accomplish His judgment upon evil-doers. It is clear that we are not talking about the final judgment as that job belongs to the Christ our Saviour.
The last part of our question is the most difficult to determine. It falls into the same category as the "providence of God". Often times we cannot see how God was working until well after the fact. This does not take away from God any glory. When we recognize it we then give Him His praise. Keep in mind Romans 8:28 And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose. We may not be able to see the good that will come from something at the time but upon later reflections we can see how it was in our best interest and did indeed accomplish good.
So am I saying that God used the USA to execute His judgment upon Iraq? What I am saying is that we cannot dismiss this as a viable possibility! Perhaps in time we will be able to see the truth in the matter.
Why Does It Matter?
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He remembers what the squall was, but his mom and dad never even had a
clue. Not even when the event took place. There is nothing quite like the
experience...
4 years ago
3 comments:
Well, the question comes to mind along with the passage in Proverbs 14:34 'Righteousness exalteth a nation; But sin is a reproach to any people.' Is the USA smart enough to 'see the handwriting on the wall', and change their ways.Deboraw
Dear Deboraw,
Welcome to the discussion. Oh I think they are as smart as any other nation. In other words; yes. But the real question is, are they wise enough or will they remain blinded by their own sense of teenage imortality and infalibility.
Christian
I wouldn't say that all things that happen in life are a judgment from God, but in the Old Testament God sent plagues upon different nations (including the Israelites to turn them back to the right path). In today's world we do see some pretty frightening things example: floods, fires, earthquakes. Yet if we even mention that our nation needs to 'come back to God'. Folks get real huffy, like 'how dare any one tell them maybe they need to change, they need to stop living like sin'. Why, God is just a God of love and he loves you no matter what you do.
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