Prophecy

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     Being a big fan of The Three Stooges from my childhood, the Wuhan Virus which has been criss-crossing our nation has provided a rather teachable moment based upon one of the classic moves by the boys called ‘the line slap’.  Here’s how it works:  Moe--or someone else with some ‘pull’--would catch the Stooges involved in a true fit of idiocy.  He (or she) would line them up, and give them a massive slap across the face down the entire line.

    Brutal…but it does get one’s attention to seriously think about correcting a bad behavior--or series of bad behaviors.

    God gave America a slap with 9/11,  and it got national attention.  The slap was exhibited to check the pride in our financial, political, and military idols--and leaving God out of the national consciousness.  Soon, people were repenting, heading back to the church (which many neglected prior to the Towers falling), and even reading their Bibles.  Even the sacrifices of brave souls in the Towers, in the Pentagon were noted and heroic speeches and wreaths were presented.

    But America eventually shrugged and went back to business as usual.  So did God’s church and His people.  Churches that WERE filled for a few months gradually began to empty.  Christians started to let their hearts grow cold and letting the leaven of the world seep back within us.

    Let me be blunt.  God is not after excuses.  He is after repentance, holiness, and a change in behavior by not only individuals but whole nations.  How?  First--at the risk of upsetting some theologians, liberals, or ‘blab and grab’ individuals--God DOES speak through afflictions, tragedies, temptations, and reversals of fortune.  There is nothing too hard for God.  There is nothing He does not know, nor need someone to ‘teach’ Him.  In the words of one sage preacher from back-in-the-day: “Your arms are too short to box with God.”

    Second, God DOES speak to His people in warning before judgment falls on a nation, because His people are a part of that nation.  Yes, the scripture is quite clear: “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:  and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God (I Peter 4:17 KJV).” Yes, it does rain on the just and the unjust; the wheat and the tares do grow together…and God does oversea it all.

    Especially when it comes to the actions of His children.

    Oh, there are those in the household of faith who like to ignore what God is saying to His people in II Chronicles 7:14.  However, the 14th verse doesn’t quite carry the punch that is needed for understanding without the 13th verse, as God lets King Solomon know who is truly in charge: “If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, of if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send a pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

    Since 9/11, God has been tapping on America’s collective shoulder with a list of diseases and pestilences.  The Bird Flu.  Ecoli. Swine Flu.  Ebola.  The Zika Virus.  Sars.  Meanwhile, God’s people have hit the church snooze button, and America has continued in her sins.  Many Christians unfortunately have not bothered to register and vote; have not bothered to get involved in the culture wars, and have chosen to tolerate their failures in prayer, tithing, and family holiness and stability.  We’ve been so focused on God blessing America, that we have neglected our hearts and whether or not they are right with Him.

    The Wuhan Virus unpacked her bags and decided to stay in early 2020.  This is a fact.  She was a pestilence like none other.  In a matter of days and weeks, those things that Christians and non-Christians thought they could ‘count on’ by their own intelligence, market savvy, bank accounts and haughtiness have crumbled into the dust.

    God’s slapping hand has been busy, heading down the line.  

    This time, he has hit a little harder in order to get the attention of His people…and bring us to repentance AND to make sure our hearts are stayed on both His Word and Jesus Christ.  God won’t deal with the sinner until the saint has been properly checked and inspected FIRST.

    Christian…is YOUR heart truly right with our Lord?  Don’t worry about the sinner!  II Chronicles 7:13-14 applies to us!  Materials blessings do NOT count before the Lord Jesus Christ.  Prayer time and devotions count for little if your heart is cold and is not regularly opened for inspection to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.  Activity--even church ministries and gospel preaching--do not make up for a cold-hearted Christian.  From the pulpit to the pew, a full, regular check of the heart MUST be made, in order to check our obedience to our Lord.

    Otherwise, be warned.  The NEXT time God has His slapping hand ready, it may be harder…and far worse!

    Mike Ramey is a Minister, Book Reviewer, P-School Ranger, Modern Street Gangs Specialist and Syndicated Columnist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.  “The Ramey Commentaries” is one of a variety of columns that Ramey has in cyberspace.  To drop him a line…or a whine…the address is still the same:  [email protected].  ©2020  Barnstorm Communications.

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