I have noticed that many people in the United States use the Scripture 2 Chronicles 7:14 to call our nation to prayer and repentance, that our sins may be forgiven, and our land may be healed. This bothers me very much. We may have been founded on Christianity, but we are not the nation called by God’s name. To insert our nation into this Scripture borders on hypocrisy and blasphemy.
The true nation of Israel today is comprised of all who believe in, and follow, Jesus the Son of God. The nation of Israel are the children of the promise, inhabitants of the body of Christ, set apart to God, a chosen race, a royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation, a people for God’s own possession, Romans 9:8; 1 Peter 2:9.
The inhabitants of this Israel, the elect of God, are scattered throughout the earth, and are as aliens and strangers to the earth. Their lives and their freedom are found in the bosom of their mother, the new Jerusalem from above. They, in fact, are citizens of heaven where their hope as well as their lives are. So to call the United States the nation whose God is the Lord and the nation called by His name is ludicrous.
I understand those who assume the United States is the people called by God’s name mean no harm. They actually care deeply for our country. But their feelings for our country don’t justify their taking Scriptures out of context. When we take Scriptures out of context we subvert the word of God.
The word of God is a book of words interwoven into a divine tapestry containing the mystery of God. To take one word out of context is to put a blemish in that tapestry, and thereby that mystery. For this reason the Lord says, “Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words lest He reprove you, and you be proved a liar,” Proverbs 30:5, 6.
Jon David Banks, God’s most unworthy servant
jondavidbanks.com 