Through nearly 40 years in the conservative evangelical world, I’ve heard many sermons about America. Often, the point is to compare America with ancient Israel.
The problem is the Bible explicitly tells us that there is no other nation that is comparable to God’s chosen people and nation of Israel (see 2 Sam. 7:23; Ps. 147:19-20; Amos 3:2). In that regard, she is entirely unique—a direct creation of God, fashioned through Abraham out of the chaos and godlessness at Babel (see Isa. 43:1-15).
If one were to make a comparison between America and any nation in the Biblical world, I believe there are two clear possibilities in terms of history and prophecy: Babylon and Rome. We in the United States are part of a pagan, Gentile, demonically energized nation, such as those that have been oppressing Jerusalem since the days of Nebuchadnezzar (see Dan. 2:31-43; 10:13, 20; Luke 21:24). We live in that shadowy time between the legs and feet of the two-phased Roman kingdom, which is prophesied to prevail until God’s kingdom suddenly destroys that last human empire, composed of “iron mixed with ceramic clay” (Dan. 2:43).
As I write such plain words, I must emphasize that I truly love my country. Given the choice, I would not have desired to live anywhere else. I treasure America’s history, as well as the freedoms we all cherish so dearly. I honor those who have defended those freedoms and thank them for their sacrifice and service. God has poured out goodness upon this nation, as the multitudes desiring to come here silently testify.
Still, we must think Biblically about our place in God’s plan. America is not His chosen nation, nor has this land been ordained for His eternal purposes. We are not, and never will be, the kingdom of God. Our laws are not God’s laws and never could be. We do not find ourselves hidden in the covenant promises of God to Abraham and his descendants (see Rom. 9:4-5; Eph. 2:11-12)—except as we avail ourselves of the opportunity to bless the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see Gen. 12:3).
For some, these are “hard [sayings]” (John 6:60). Perhaps they have become easier to accept since the COVID-19 pandemic and all that has unfolded in our culture in the days that have followed, pushing our nation toward moral debauchery. In the current climate, I take great solace in Christ’s church, which serves as the only curb against further waves of decadence (see 2 Thess. 2:6-8). Yet, America itself is in desperate condition—barring a sweeping movement of God’s Spirit to bring reformation and revival through our land. He surely can do that, but He has left no certain promise of it. Our hope is found in Christ’s return, and a major part of our energies should be consumed with watching how the Lord is preparing the world for His coming.
Yet, assuredly, God is not unaware of our condition. He continues working in, through, and for His people. He “works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11). He directs “all things [to] work together for good to those who love God” (Rom. 8:28). Providentially, He superintends above all the details of life, and all the moving parts coordinate flawlessly with the precision of “a wheel in the middle of a wheel” (Ezek. 1:16).
All of us understand that this coming Tuesday offers, perhaps, the most hotly contested election in our nation’s history. The outcome will have an enormous impact on the direction she will go in the future—perhaps until her earthly end. The results could vary wildly. What will actually happen, only the Lord knows.
And that is where we find our security. Whatever the conclusion will be, we know:
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Ps. 18:2).
As Christians, we must exercise our right to vote, as that is part of the stewardship for which we will give an account to Christ. But always remember the limitations of that vote. In the future, Jesus will preside over this world from His temple in Jerusalem (see Zech. 6:12-13). But no amount of voting can bring that theocratic kingdom to pass before He returns—nor can anything prevent His coming to establish it.
I was reminded this week of the words of an old gospel song that reveals the folly of worrying about this election. God already knows the results, what they will portend, and how they fit into His prophetic plan. These old words ignite new confidence in Him:
What tho’ the way be lonely,
And dark the shadows fall;
I know where’er it leadeth,
My Father planned it all.[i]
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Paul J. Scharf (M.A., M.Div., Faith Baptist Theological Seminary) is a church ministries representative for The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, based in Columbus, WI, and serving in the Midwest. For more information on his ministry, visit sermonaudio.com/pscharf or foi.org/scharf, or email pscharf@foi.org.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version.
[i]Harriett H. Pierson; “My Father Planned It All.” Lyrics are public domain. Taken from “My Father Planned It All;” Hymnary.org; n.d.; https://hymnary.org/text/what_though_the_way_be_lonely; Internet; accessed 30 October 2024.