A Nation Without Sense

Over the last few days, I've been reading the warnings God gave to the children of Israel before they entered the Promised Land.  The warnings clearly outlined the destruction to come if they didn't obey Him (Derutronomy 28 -29).

Today's Bible reading was Deuteronomy 31-34.  I was struck by Chapter 32 verses 28 and 29:  "They are a nation without sense, there is no discernment in them.  If only they were wise and would understand this and discern what their end will be!"  Does this sound like a nation you're familiar with? 

In the last chapters of Deuteronomy, Moses describes what is going to happen to the Jewish nation if they turn from God.  It isn't pretty.  If God's chosen people weren't immune from His wrath, why should America think she is?

On the radio today, one of the announcers mentioned how the destruction from weather related events is more extensive than ever before and has already cost billions of dollars.  And the damage is not over yet.  Parts of Louisiana are about to be flooded if water is released into the spillways in order to minimize the damage to New Orleans and Baton Rouge.  This may be crazy thinking on my part, but it seems to me it has only been a few years since New Orleans was devastated by a hurricane.  Now, flood waters threaten to do more damage to it.  Is it just possible God might be trying to send a message to people that this city is evil in His eyes?

And, what about the casinos in Mississippi.  I must admit I haven't kept up with all the news, but I do know that many of the casinos are flooded.  Do you think this might be a sign God isn't happy about the casinos?

What else might be a sign God isn't really happy with America?  Could the high unemployment be a sign?  Could an economy that is tanking be a sign? Could higher gasoline prices be a sign?  Could higher food prices be a sign?  Could the disdain of other nations for America be a sign?  Could the hate of terrorist be a sign?

Could floods, unbelievable snow storms, devastating hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and tsunamis, along with famine, wars, disease, and violence be signs God has turned His back on all nations?

God cannot and will not look upon evil.  He will turn His back from it.  And when He turns away, who is left to protect a nation?  Without God, we will suffer - the good and evil alike.  And really we're all responsible for what is happening.  For too long Christians have remained silent to the minority who have said God has no place in our lives.  And maybe, God has decided the same thing.

"I will heap calamities upon them and spend my arrows against them.  I will send wasting famine against them, consuming pestilence and deadly plague; I will send against them the fangs of wild beasts, the venom of vipers that glide in the dust.  In the street the sword will make them childless; in their homes terror will reign.  Young men and young women will perish, infants and gray-haired men." (Deuteronomy 32: 23 - 25)

There is good news despite all that is happening around us.  We can still choose life.  If we return to God, He will still hear us.  He will still save us.  "Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.  For the Lord is your life..." (Deuteronomy 30: 19b-20a)