Monday, most of us were shocked when we learned of the terrorist attack in Boston. Personally, I was more saddened than shocked. What some may find disturbing is what I was saddened about, for it was not the act itself, but rather the reason the attack was allowed, and by whom. As well, I was saddened that no one, and especially notable no one in The Church seemed to be aware of what was and is actually going on, for although I pray for those who's lives were affected in the horrific event in Boston, it really had nothing to do with Boston. Boston was merely a random spot within the borders of the much larger target. A target set up by none other than it's collective self.
In order to get the whole picture we need to go back in time to the first nation of God. We'll begin with a group of hikers being led by a fellow name of Abram, who received a word from the Almighty Himself to take His people and head out for a new land. After many miles of journeying, Abram's God, the same yesterday, today and tomorrow God we serve today, honored Abram for his faithfulness, renamed him Abraham and promised him a miracle son from whom God's favored people would descend. Though there were many years filled with many trials, through which His people ultimately learned valuable lessons and gained strength, the Israelites became a nation who blessed God, honoring His commandments and in turn were greatly blessed and supernaturally protected by their Lord.
The problem came when after many years the Israelites forgot the miracles, and began taking their blessings, including their safety for granted. They began allowing little "things" to creep in. Perhaps Someone moved in to town from another land with different customs, and were allowed to continue their "odd" practices. After all, what harm could there be? One day, the newcomer has someone over to dine, and they notice an interesting artifact in the corner, or perhaps finds their form of dress or worship to be "pretty" or "entertaining", and cetainly not harmful. The seed is planted. Soon others move in, bringing their "harmless" idols, pieces of art really, and pagan practices, just more fun and games when you think about it, and before ya know it, the king is sacrificing his babies to Molech!
All the while God is watching. He's sending His prophets to warn His people, pleading with them to turn back to Him, but they just keep playing with fire, ignoring the warning signs 'til at last, God has to lower the boom. He removes His protection from His people, and there is wailing and gnashing of teeth. A great nation, blessed of God, turns it's back on Him and falls.
So here we are, thousands of years later. One nation, founded on Godly principles, known as a shining light in and for the world, and we were incredibly blessed for it, enjoying an amazing shield of protection in a world otherwise torn apart by war. As a child, I wondered how it was we seemed to somehow, miraculously remain untouched by the madness all around us. How was it possible? What set us apart? And just as important, what changed?
We have, slowly but surely and willingly jumped on the slippery slope and allowed the world to permeate our nation and The Church to the point it becomes difficult to see where the world ends and the church begins! We use their language. We dress in their styles. We even practice pagan rituals within our individual Church walls! Sooner or later, we had to realize, as He did with Israel, God would tire of us turning our backs on Him, playing games with pagan idols and rituals and give us a well deserved holy kick in the behind.
We turned our backs on God. At best, we, as His body in our nation have allowed ourselves to be polluted. We've become lukewarm, brackish. We've sat back and watched, silently for the most part, as our nation allowed, embraced, and even funded abortion. Initially, it was only allowed in the first trimester, before the child was completely recognizable as such by human eyes. They called it an embryo., Slowly, but surely the laws changed and women were legally allowed to pay someone to end the life of their children for increasingly longer periods of time until now when we find "botched" abortions where somehow, miraculously the attempt on a childs life may fail, resulting in the live birth of an injured baby, who is very recognizable as a human child crying out in pain, longing for his or her momma's comforting arms. Instead that sweet baby is greeted by cold, uncaring hands who want no more than to finish him off and be done with the whole mess.
Tell me, other than the fact that centuries ago folks were giving up their children as a sacrifice to what they thought were gods in ned of appeasement, and we, for the most part act on desire for convenience, just how different is what we are allowing, with our tax dollars, from what Ahaz did in the firey furnace called Molech?
Of course abortion isn't our only national crime. There's rampant, accepted homosexuality, being taught and encouraged in our public schools. There's pornography. There's even talk of allowing full frontal nudity on TV, including commercials at all hours of the day, on all stations. There's language once considered illegal in public forums and media, now accepted as "free speech." Then there's our modern day ride of Paul Revere, "The Islams are coming!" But no one is listening. Rather, we are welcoming them with open arms, even asking them to teach our children their ways, in the name of "unity". Then we wonder what happened when we begin to implode. We, as a nation, and as the church have turned our backs on God too many times, and for far too long, and He is now pulling out that last straw. One way or another, as with Israel, He will get our attention.
It is happening, and the faithful best wake up and get to work, spreading the word, and cleaning up our homes and churches, while preparing ourselves and our families for the horrors sure to come. Boston wasn't the beginning, and is certainly nowhere near the worst we will see and experience before the end. We need , each one of us individually, to allow The Spirit free access, to work in us and through us, for there is no way we're going to survive, let alone rise up and conquer on our own without Him. We need to get into the word, daily, and pray without ceasing. 2 Chronicles 7:14 say's," If] My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
God is calling us to be His Elijahs for our generation. Are we up to the challenge?
