August 18. 2015: SOAP #2084

Scripture: Jeremiah (NIV) 36:1 …this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2 “Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah and all the other nations from the time I began speaking to you in the reign of Josiah till now. 3 Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I plan to inflict on them, each of them will turn from his wicked way; then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin.”

Observation: Here is a short portion of scripture when gives us an insight into the heart of our Heavenly Father. We see that our He is not unlike parents who warn their children about doing wrong and threaten their children with punishment, yet all the time they are so willing to forgive. Punishing their children is the last thing they want to do. They would so much rather forgive than punish. However unlike many parents, His are not empty threats. He keeps His promises.

Application: God who aided in the founding of the United States of America, is a Holy God who will not allow our sins to continue without judgment. However the verses above show a God who takes no pleasure in the judgment of sin. (Note: Ezekiel 33:11) He would much rather forgive. So we must individually and nationally repent and turn from our sins. There may yet be time to be an example to the world of how God restores a nation that repents and seeks His favor.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have used the USA in many ways. You have used us to be an example of freedom. You have used us to fight tyranny and evil. You have sent many missionaries to carry the gospel throughout the world. I pray that you will be able to use us as an example of how a nation should repent and seek your favor. Amen