On one hand, we affirm that God has spoken in the fire, the wind and the still, small voice. We find no problem that God sent the Flood in Noah’s day, confusion at the Tower of Babel, and compassion sending Jesus as the Savior of the world. And yet, many shun the idea that God would act in judgment in the events on earth today. God spoke from the burning bush and took Elijah to heaven in the whirlwind; filled the room with a mighty rushing wind and set tongues of fire upon the apostles at Pentecost. He brought drought as punishment at the word of Elijah and rain when he prayed. God caused a storm when Jonah ran, and stilled a storm on Galilee with just a word. The question is, “Do we really believe God still works for blessing or judgment in the affairs of this world?” The reality is: Probably not; but we should. Let’s listen to some founding fathers’ words about this nation of ours.
“It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” (George Washington) “We have no government with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” (John Adams) “I’ve lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: That God governs in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We’ve been assured in the sacred writings that unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who built it.” (Benjamin Franklin) “And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever.” (Thomas Jefferson)
As a nation we have turned from these convictions. Remove the rose-colored glasses. Take a hard look: the economy, The Koreas, the Middle East, terrorists in our nation, moral issues, political scandals, nuclear threats, weather and natural disasters. We struggle to hear the still, small voice of God. But, can we hear Him when He shouts? When He calls us to turn to Him, let’s not let the power of a deaf ear bring denial of His warnings. -- Ben