When this country was first founded, some in the church believed it to be the New Promised Land. They soon discovered that it was a wilderness – a place of exploration, challenge and training in the ways of God. By His grace, many remained true to the call of God – to make disciples, as transformation agents of their true King. And this country became, for a time, a light on a hill.
These believers, in the world but not of the world, participated in the creation of a government – “We the people… ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” Why? Because they were led “to form a more perfect Union”. It is important to note here that, based on the history we have, they never confused their earthly government with the kingdom of their God – the One True King.
Furthermore, they realized – as we must – that this government was not intended to replace God’s government on this earth. God’s government on this earth is a kingdom, reigned over by a King – the Son of God. However, and this is important, the government of the United States was created by God for the people of God. It was to be His hedge of protection for the work He had determined they should walk in.
Later, on November 19, 1863, this government was prophetically characterized, by the 16th President of the United States, as “… that government of the people, by the people, for the people…” Why not “of God, by God, for God”? Because it had become something else; something had subtly – and dangerously – changed. The poison of the independent spirit had begun to take effect.
Not coincidentally, the church in America grew tired of God’s wilderness experience and provision. They looked around, saw the life offered in Egypt, and began longing to return there; and Satan was ready – he is ever ready – to deceive God’s people.
Now we can see, looking back from the 21st century, that the church in America, confusing the government of America for the “Promised Land”, got turned around (to put it lightly), and began the slow march back to Egypt. The consequences have been astounding (let me know if you care to see the statistics; but I warn you, they are disheartening). What is clear to the naked eye is that something has gone wrong – very wrong.
The hedge God established for the church in America has now become her god.
The church in America has subjected herself to a kingdom in which she does not belong – becoming a sub-culture to the systems, ways and morality of a pagan nation. In her pursuit of Egypt’s comfort and security, she has subjected herself to the idol of independence – the right to self-determined justice; and the idol of prosperity – the right to self-determined happiness. She is no longer under the protective reign of her intended King.
The nations of the world (including America) are under the reign of the Evil One. They are becoming ever more evil; and they are at enmity with God and His children. Like the frog in the kettle, the church in America has grown accustomed to the growing evil around her. She has failed to recognize the increasing wickedness and its affect on her health and salvation. She has continued to pursue the carnal desires of the surrounding culture.
In His sovereign judgment, God has allowed her those desires; in the foreknowledge that her remnant will return. But things look grim for the church in America right now; for she has left her first love. She has exiled herself “into the hand of those who seek your life, and into the hand of those whose face you fear” (Jeremiah 22:25). The America that has been Egypt is quickly, very quickly, becoming Babylon to the people of God: “a bitter and nasty nation… they are terrible and dreadful” (Habakkuk 1;6-7). Can you hear the cry to come out of her?
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. Revelation 18:4
There is hope in the calling of God for the remnant to come out of the Egypt and Babylon of this age. (Please note that I am speaking about what America has become, not the dream or ideal we nostalgically remember and/or hope for).
Yes, there is hope! There is hope for the church in America!! Many are hearing the call of God; and they have discovered the desire in their hearts to go out to His Son – the Captain of their salvation.
But, who will lead them?
Who will, like Joshua, be strong and of good courage? Who will refuse, like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, to bend their knee to the gods and idols of this age?
There is hope; for God has preserved, prepared and raised up men and women in the Marketplace – many, the remnant of His church in America – to lead the people back to the “Promised Land” of His kingdom and glory. Yes, there is a wilderness journey ahead (it is called transformation in the New Covenant). It is an adventure of exploration, challenge and training in the ways of God.
Marketplace Leader, you are desperately needed!
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday. Psalm 37:5-6
Surrender to your King. Trust the LORD for your happiness and justice. Lead the remnant to His salvation. Be encouraged; for the LORD will be with you. Let me know how I can help.
Your servant and His forever,
P.S. I encourage you to share this word with those leaders you know in the fellowship of faith. It is the truth that will make them free. We need all hands on board. You need them to assume their leadership position.