Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Monuments, Men, and Movements**

National Monument to the Forefathers
Plymouth, MA
 
The three words used in the title of this message, monuments, men, and movements, have been in the news lately. Monuments have caused great debate, and some have been torn down. The lives of men, particularly African-American men, have been cut down for little or no reason. Movements have begun from Black Lives Matter to White Nationalists, and Antifa.
The monument pictured above, thankfully, is not one of those being talked about for destruction. It is the one referred to in the documentary, "Monumental", which is highly recommended if you have not seen it. The idea behind its creation and dedication, was to serve as a reminder to the American people of the foundational truths upon which our nation was founded, including the Word of God. This monument, called the National Monument to the Forefathers, was created in anticipation of a time when, as a people, America found itself falling away from its foundation which was established upon these Godly principles. This Monument serves as a signpost for the way back to our original purpose, promise, and identity as a nation. We have definitely found ourselves at such a point in our history when we need this help.
The prophets in scripture spoke to Israel of its similar sorry condition, as they left the knowledge and Word of God behind. What the prophets spoke to Israel could very well apply to our nation as well in this present day. Ezekiel 22 describes this condition that applies to the United States, as it did to Israel, with a sober warning from God. Some of those sins and abominations include:
*Cities that shed blood in the midst of them
*the making of idols
*being the receiver of reproach and mocking from other nations because of our wickedness
*corrupt princes who have shed blood and oppressed the weaker people
*despising the holy things of God and profaning His Sabbaths; forgetting God Himself
*abomination and defiling, lewd behavior against family members and neighbors
*bribery, usury, greed, extortion, dishonest gain
*devouring, lying prophets, priests and princes, who lie for gain
*the common people of the land following the same abominable and oppressive behavior as their political and spiritual leaders

It is obvious how similarly our nation has fallen away as had the nation of Israel spoken of here by the word of the LORD to the prophet. The prophet warned that the LORD's wrath would be released upon the nation (v. 13-22). We should consider that the same warning must also then apply to us and to our time: 
"Yea, I will gather you, and blow upon you in the fire of my wrath, and ye shall be melted in the midst thereof."    Ezek. 22:21
Perhaps, though, the greatest tragedy of all concerning this corrupt, ungodly, and violent people can be found in the following verse:
"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none."  v. 30
Concerning America, God is looking for those who will stand up and make up the hedge; those who will, according to 2 Chron. 7:14, humble themselves, repent, pray, seek God's face, turn from their wicked ways, so God can heal our land. Where are those who will do that?
The prophet Isaiah also wrote of things that apply directly to America now. The LORD spoke, even sang, of the beautiful vineyard of His Beloved. He revealed this vineyard as being Judah and Israel, but again, the same could be said of America. The vineyard was well tended, and had the potential to be greatly fruitful. The LORD had the expectation that the best grapes would be produced, since those were the varieties planted, but instead, disappointingly sour, immature wild grapes were produced instead. There could not have been a more blessed and protected vineyard, but now that protection would be removed from it. It would cease to be a vineyard of grapes, and instead become overrun and trampled. Briars and thorns would grow in it, and no rain would fall upon it (Isa. 5:1-6).
The prophet continues to reveal woes that would come upon the people who are like this ruined vineyard. The LORD mentioned in particular that these people took land in a greedy grab for real estate (v. 8). We have done this throughout our history as well to indigenous people, those who could not stand up to an army, or have any remedy against a corrupt treaty. This land grab was excused in our nation under the banner of "Manifest Destiny".
The LORD also describes a people to the prophet Isaiah who no longer had consideration for the work of the hands of the LORD, casting it aside (v. 12). Although they are called to holy appointments with the LORD, they instead indulge in drunken and carnal entertainments. Because of these things the prophet wrote:
"Therefore hell hath enlarged itself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it."  v. 14
Woes are prophesied by Isaiah for those who "call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (v. 20). We have seen this in our nation like never before. Godly things are rejected, and sinful things are celebrated: "...they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel." (v. 24).
Hell is not a legend nor a joke. Wickedness had grown so pervasive across the land, that Hell had to be enlarged to receive those who engage in it. Ron Reagan, Jr., the son of the former president, mocked the idea of Hell, and defiantly claimed that he was not afraid of it, but it is something to fear indeed. It is for eternity.
Again, the question is asked in Isaiah 6: "...Whom shall I send, and who shall go for us? Then I said, Here am I; send me." (v. 8). The LORD continues on to tell the one who will go, to give the warning to this people. The LORD is looking for someone to speak up in warning, and to intercede.
Judgment is real, and, unless America heeds the warning, we will see the consequences. The responsibility lays in the hands of God's people, who are called by His name.
 

**The above is based upon the 7/5/20 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message, to contribute to the Book of Remembrance for Sean Stevenson:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

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Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
 
Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:

NAZAH: White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling  


                                                                   Sean Stevenson

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