June 24, 2015: SOAP #2029

Scripture: 2Chronicles (NIV) 24:20 Then the Spirit of God acme upon Zechariah… He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you disobey the LORD’s commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.’”…
23 At the turn of the year, the army of Aram…invaded…Judah…
24 Although the Aramean army had come with only a few men, the LORD delivered into their hands a much larger army. Because Judah had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, judgment was executed on [King] Joash.

Observation: Many times in the Bible we read that Israel and Judah defeated much larger armies because God was with them. In the above verses we read that the opposite was also true. God had forsaken them, BECAUSE they had forsaken God. A large army with many ships and airplanes cannot take the place of the presence and favor of Almighty God.

Application: Across the southern border of the United States comes an invasion of illegal immigrants. Some want to join their families who are already in the USA and some want to find jobs. But among them are those who want to do us harm. As a nation, we easily have the resources to stop them but God has blinded the eyes of our leaders and tied their hands from taking effective action. In many ways our nation has forsaken God and now God is forsaking us to reap His judgment.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as a nation, Israel enjoyed your blessings; they also suffered under your judgment. The same is true of the United States, and any nation, today. I am grateful to know that your presence and favor remains with individuals who remain faithful to you. Amen