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Out of a remote province in China has come a plague of biblical proportions. This morning, the Governor of California ordered all non-essential persons to stay a home. They estimate that over 50% of the population of California will have been infected within 8 weeks.
The economy has simply stopped in its tracks. Bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and shops around the nation are closed. The stock market has lost a third of its value in the past ten days. Millions of retirement accounts have been reduced significantly again. Airlines are sending planes to the desert and laying off personnel. Massive layoffs are expected. It will take decades for the economy to recover if it ever does.
There is no food on the shelves of many grocery stores. Food and drugs are being rationed. In some areas, grocery trucks are being mobbed as they arrive at the store. Panic has set in. It is likely that the very social order itself will come apart in the next few weeks.
And it all happened in a matter of days.
The proper response to these events by a Christian is to seek the face of the God who is able to deliver His own in times like these and repent. He has promised that "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." II Chron. 7:14 NIV
So what does America need to repent of?
Arrogance. We have set ourselves and our country above the God who created us. God has raised and leveled numerous countries, empires and regimes throughout history. America is no different. If we do not repent and seek God's face we will be just another footnote in history. We must place the God who raises up and destroys empires back in his proper place.
False idols. The American church has worshiped the false idols of politics, social acceptance and entertainment. We need to cast aside these false idols and again seek the face of the one true God in our worship.
Tolerating sin. In the name of short term political advantage and social acceptance the American church has tolerated and even promoted sins that have repeatedly caused God to destroy nations. We have tolerated political leaders who allow and even facilitate the murder of innocent unborn children. We have tolerated political leaders who allow and even facilitate sodomy and other perversions. If you believe that God's word is true you know that he does not tolerate these particular sins indefinitely and will eventually judge both the nation and the people who tolerate them.
Ignorance. God has sent us warning after warning. But, we have ignored his words and his warnings and continued headlong in our unrighteous ways.
We serve a God who is long-suffering and faithful. He keeps His word. He has promised that if we will repent and return to Him he will forgive us. And right now, in this time of plague, having a right heart before God should be the number on priority for every living soul.
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