Though America is never mentioned directly in the Bible, there are some striking similarities between the United States and ancient Israel.
For example, during the time of the prophet Isaiah (8th Century B.C.) the nation of Israel had strayed so far from God's law that the Lord warned the Jews to either repent or face harsh judgment.
Compare the Lord's rebuke of ancient Israel with modern America today and you'll notice the striking similarities. Like modern America, ancient Israel abandoned God for pagan religious practices: "They are full of superstitions from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines and embrace pagan customs." (Isaiah 2:6)
Like modern America, ancient Israel had not only embraced sexual immorality, but the Jews proudly displayed their perversion in the public square: "They parade their sin like Sodom and do not hide it." (Isaiah 3:9)
And like modern America, ancient Israel became a violent nation under the control of clueless and morally bankrupt leaders: "Youths oppress my people; women rule over them. O my people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path." (Isaiah 3:12)
And of course, like modern America today, ancient Israel had a dearth of true faith but no shortage of religion: "Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New moons, Sabbaths and convocations--I cannot bear your evil assemblies. Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts, my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them." (Isaiah 1:13-14)
Did Israel heed Isaiah's words and repent? Tragically no. About two centuries later in 586 B.C., the Lord fulfilled His promise to punish the Jewish nation for its rebellion when he allowed Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar to invade Jerusalem and take many Jews into captivity.
And the Jews remained captives in a foreign land until 445 B.C. when the Persians, who had succeeded the Babylonians, allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem.
How does all this relate to the United States? Does God deal with modern nations today as He dealt with ancient Israel?
In fact He does. For those with short memories, recall August, 2005 when President George W. Bush and his administration coerced Israel into handing over Gaza to the Palestinians for the intended purpose of achieving "peace" in that region between the Jews and the Palestinians.
Just days after the land swap took place, Hurricane Katrina roared into New Orleans and devastated that city and many surrounding towns. For those who remember Katrina, that storm was headed toward the east coast of Florida when it suddenly veered left into the Gulf of Mexico and headed straight for New Orleans.
A coincidence? Perhaps. But probably not. I believe it was the Lord's warning to the United States to (1) stop forcing Israel to give away its land to its enemies and (2) to stop defecating on His laws and commandments.
We know what happened after the Jews vacated Gaza. The terrorist organization Hamas moved in and turned Gaza into a launching pad for rocket attacks against Israel. In fact, the war that's currently going on there between Israel and Hamas is the direct result of the terrible policies of the Bush administration.
There's little doubt that the United States is a nation in very serious decline. Only fools would believe otherwise. Sadly, there are a lot of fools who continue to ignore the truth.
The reasons for America's decline are the same reasons for Israel's decline and fall in the ancient times. Unless Americans repent--and soon--the United States is going to become another third world sewer. In fact, that's already happened in various cities and towns across America.
Though the Lord spoke these words to the obstinate and rebellious Israelites, His words also apply to Americans: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Americans, are you listening? The time is getting short.
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