September 3
1 Chronicles 8:29-9:1; Daniel 4:1-37; Ezekiel 40:1-37
Wake up America! What we unfolded a couple of years ago in Afghanistan could also happen to us, here in America. In pride we lift ourselves up, saying, "But we are the United States of America!" We say this as though there has never been anything like us before. This is pride, and as we read in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall." God has allowed our nation a season of prosperity, influence, power, etc. Enjoying the position as the world's power, we have enjoyed much of what that position has reaped, both as a nation and as individuals. But we are not what we once were. While at one time we lifted up God, the things of God, and the causes of God (not perfectly), this can no longer be said of our nation. Even the most elementary reading of the Bible would make the reader see just how much we stand now in opposition, in direct confrontation, to the things of God. He will not be mocked, though He is incredibly patient with us. Not only have we been warned but we are witnessing the crumbling. Those issuing the warning have been canceled, silenced, marginalized, and labeled as fringe. America had better open its eyes and realize before it is too late, that unless these messages of warning are heeded America will become a shell of its former self. If any who heed Scripture wonder why the United States does not seem to figure prominently in end times, in very rapid fashion it no longer seems that difficult to see why.
Nebuchadnezzar was the head of gold in his dream interpreted by God through Daniel in Daniel 2:32,38. King Nebuchadnezzar ruled the empire of Babylon as a monarch. He had experienced tremendous success and power as his nation subdued all others. In the midst of his prosperity, he receives another dream, as we read in Daniel 4:10-12, " “‘While I was lying in my bed, this is what I dreamed. I saw a large tree in the middle of the earth. The tree grew very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for all the world to see. It had fresh green leaves, and it was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches. All the world was fed from this tree." But this dream took a rapid turn as we read in 4:13-14, " “‘Then as I lay there dreaming, I saw a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven. The messenger shouted, “Cut down the tree and lop off its branches! Shake off its leaves and scatter its fruit! Chase the wild animals from its shade and the birds from its branches." Daniel then interprets the dream and issues a warning to the king in 4:25, 27, " You will be driven from human society, and you will live in the fields with the wild animals. You will eat grass like a cow, and you will be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses... “‘King Nebuchadnezzar, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break from your wicked past and be merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper.’" Did he heed the advice? Perhaps for a season, but we read that in one year's time the prophecy was fulfilled as he lifted himself up in pride.
After a seven year period of humility, the king finally acknowledged God and exalted Him, as we read in Daniel 4:37, " “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.”" The king learned a lesson, but it came at a huge cost. We, in America, are being warned. We can choose to learn the easy way or the hard way. The easy way is to heed God's warning to our nation as spoken by the word of God, and by His messengers. The hard way is to ignore the warning and to continue to move forward in pride and evil. Sorry if this offends some, but make no mistake, we as a nation, now stand for godlessness. God will not be mocked, and He will not overlook sin. He is faithful and continues to warn us, not wanting to see us continue along the perilous trajectory that we are on. History is really His story, and it will continue to move forward according to His timeline and according to His will. We are passengers, players in His story. The question is not how things will unfold, but what part we each, nationally and individually will play in His story. May we, individually, and as a nation, heed His warning and experience the blessings that He desires for us, rather than the discipline which is heading for us if we do not change our course.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: