The Great Nation

Politicians and administrative handlers of government tell us that the key to a nation's greatness is found in the external things which can be seen and managed by more money and better programs.  The linchpin of the politician's view is more money for weapons.  The nation with the biggest and most deadly stick is sure to be the one which prevails.  Somehow, it seems these folks have forgotten a Word from the 33rd Psalm which says, "A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.  The war horse is a vain hope for victory, and by its great might it cannot save."  (Psalm 33:16-17)  Most likely the politicians never heard the Word and if they did, they would surely declare it to be unrealistic and not workable.

 

And then there are those keepers of religion who know both the fallacy of the political view and the correct way forward to greatness as a nation.  Their way is rooted in the idea that social programs define the way forward.   Giving very little attention to a theology about the transforming power of a salvation gospel, they instead preach a message that men and women are changed by programs of social activism that attack issues such as poverty, inequality, and racism.  And while there is nothing bad about tending to these issues, the sin of the human heart is largely ignored.  Psalm 33:10 says, "The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing, he frustrates the plans of the people."  Well intended social programs and legislated change is always the short term solution to a problem that is not really external, but something of the heart.

The Psalms and the rest of the Old Testament provide a clear testimony that God is the Watcher of the nations, ours included.  The Word tells us this Watcher loves  faithfulness, righteousness, and justice.  (vs. 4-5)  He looks for those who revere Him, who hope in His love, and who depend on Him for deliverance. (vs. 18-19)  Our stockpile of weapons and books full of programs count as nothing to this God of the nations who makes great those who know Him as the Lord. (vs.  12)