“Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.” – Thomas Jefferson

Approaching the 4th of July, it is probably appropriate to survey our American heritage soberly. There are many wonderful things about our country, no doubt, and for these things we should be thankful. But we must also recognize that the stains of sin tarnish our legacy. Many of the successes of American life have been built on the backs of African slaves, Chinese laborers, displaced Native Americans tribes, and gouged immigrant labor. A spirit of repentance is needed as we look at our history.

As Jefferson reflected on America, so the ancient prophet Isaiah reflected on his nation. Some of his writings display three themes:
* He denounces sin. In Isaiah 5:8-23 he preaches against the sins of greed, intemperance, arrogance, perversion of right and wrong, drunkenness, and bribery costing justice. In 10:1-2 he preaches against using legal means to exploit the poor. (See also I Kings 21.) Preaching against sin can be controversial, but in a sin-sick world it is vitally necessary.
* He pronounces judgment. People can get away with evil for a season, but ultimately we’re all accountable for what we do, and someday all of us will be forced to meet our maker. There are grave spiritual consequences for rampantly violating people that God loves, and so Isaiah speaks of the wrath of God in strongly worded terms (10:3-4). This is “R-rated for violence” in description by ancient standards.
* He announces hope. A faithful remnant of God’s people will survive through the eras of judgment (10:20-26), and from their ranks a Messiah will emerge – one anointed for God’s purposes (11:1-5). This is the One we can turn to in order to avoid God’s wrath and experience God’s grace – leading to eternal life.

Thomas Ogletree has said, “The measure of the righteousness of a people is the degree to which they guarantee justice for those least able to secure it for themselves.” By the grace of God through His son Jesus Christ, a new righteousness in American life is possible. Let us pray for this reality.

God Bless you,

Andrew McHenry, Pastor