"A Change Is Gonna Come"

Dear American,

As of late, the growing magnitude and frequency of various events in our world has aroused much confusion and misunderstanding. Let's be plain, for both the saved and unsaved, the occurrence of natural disasters, economic turmoil/uncertainty, celebrity deaths and scandals has led many to question the very rationale of God (Yahweh). Perhaps for many, it has felt like God has rescinded His love and compassion and slammed down his gavel of judgment & wrath in our present hour. I too, have occasionally echoed such sentiments. But, I'm persuaded that this is not the case! In fact, as I began to feel this way recently, I quickly retrieved my Holy Bible, grabbed tight to its leather binding and thumbed through its 66 books. I did this in search of a remedy -- a beacon of hope a morsel of sustenance capable of sustaining my hunger. Eventually arriving at the Book of Jonah, I was reminded of a few things...

During Jonah's profession, God had become greatly displeased with the center of the Assyrian empire, Nineveh, due to their excessive pride, wickedness and overall DISOBEDIENCE (inability to discern between right and wrong - Jonah 4:11). Nineveh, which rested at the fertile bank of the Tigris River, was a prosperous city. But, it was one that had fallen short in the area of OBEYING God.

As a result of God's distaste, he called the prophet Jonah to speak a word of judgment to this city. Jonah fled and disobeyed God's initial instruction to preach to the Ninevites, a word purposed to lead them to repentance (to turn away from) from evil. Jonah's disobedience resulted in him being swallowed by a great fish (Jonah 1:17). However, he ultimately hearkened to God's second request. Jonah 3:4 records that he told the people "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown..." Scripture further relays that the people believed the word of the Lord and their king made a decree for all people to humble themselves (wearing sackcloth), fast and cry out to Lord in an act of repentance. God saw how the people had turned from their evil ways and repented which led Him to repent of the evil that he said he would do to them (Jonah 3:10). Ironically this led to Jonah becoming upset with God's decision and display of GRACE. It was by which this same GRACE that God had previously exhibited regarding Jonah and his disobedience.

American, similar to the ancient city of Nineveh and nation of Assyria, God has blessed the United States with much material wealth. Additionally, compared to other nations, the U.S. has much freedom. But, unfortunately, this great nation, founded on biblical principles, has turned from its first love -- God. Collectively, we've become prideful, arrogant and disobedient. We've turned from the very basis our nation is known for -- "liberty and justice for all."

We live in a land (U.S.) where approximately 15% (46 million) of the population finds themselves below the poverty line; but, to the contrary 1% (15 million) find themselves at millionaire status. Pound for pound, the U.S. leads all other nations in terms of millionaires to population. Yet, for some reason, there are still people that are going without raiment! And, for some reason, there are people that have no place to call home! God is certainly not pleased!

We NEVER shall forget that God has called His people to discern from right and wrong; and that He has called us to care for the poor and downtrodden. Yes, it is true; America is currently under turmoil but it is a result of its own doing. This is plea, a wakeup call or sorts, for we Americans to collectively REPENT and turn from our wicked ways that God might heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14). If we don't, the turmoil is only going to get worse. We must understand that collective repentance begins with each individual. Sure, God's GRACE is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9), but it shouldn't be abused!

Let's all try to do what Jonah didn't do and obey God -- the first time! Let's also take note of the Ninevites and be ever mindful of God's correction and be quick to change.

Even when things seem to go contrary to what we think, and calamity seems common, know that God has only allowed this out of love to prevent self-destruction!

American, "A Change Is Gonna Come," but whether that change is a collective promotion or demotion is dependent upon our ability to recognize the error of our ways and repent. It all starts now with you doing your part!