Worship
Scripture
A church near my home town produces an annual July 4th Sunday service that’s as red-white-and-blue as any July 4th celebration anywhere. About the only trapping that’s missing is fireworks! For the production, dozens of American flags line the perimeter of the sanctuary; patriotic banners are draped across the choir loft banister and pew end caps; a spirited musical blares the militaristic theme songs of the respective armed force branches to honor veterans. Every song, prayer, and sermon feature celebrates America.
I was a visitor at this church for that July 4 service several years ago. As much as I’m proud to be an American and as much as I value our home land’s freedoms and privileges, I have to admit that I found the presentation overbearing. Not because it was patriotic, but because it exalted American nationalism, largely to the exclusion of Jesus. It was a reminder to me of the need for perspective when we consider the places in our hearts and our minds for our faith in Christ and for pride in country.
In today’s passage from Ezekiel, we see examples of the folly of nationalism. Egypt and Assyria, both objects of prophetic judgment in this passage, were once-upon-a-time powerful world empires, militaristic conquering nations who dominated their regions of the ancient world with force and savagery. But what became of their nationalistic prowess? Pride did them in! The Lord’s pronouncement against both of those nations in Ezekiel shows the folly of misguided nationalism.
Certainly, we are proud to be Americans. That’s the right way to be! Most of us wouldn’t want to live anywhere else on earth. But let’s remember that our most important citizenship is in the Kingdom of God, not the United States. Our most cherished freedom is freedom in Christ, not freedom of speech. The most dangerous enemy that confronts us is Satan, not the opposite political party. The most esteemed banner that we wave with pride is the banner of the Cross, not the banner of our national flag.
So perspective is everything! Let us continue praying that God will bless and preserve America, but moreover that his Kingdom will receive glory. In the end, either in our lives or at the end of time, the only Kingdom that will stand is the Kingdom of God.
Prayer
HONOR GOD
John 3:16 NIV
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
God has given us new life in Christ. Take a moment and thank Him for this incredible gift!
ASK GOD
John 3:21 NIV
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
Living by truth brings light and sight. Ask God to give you a heart for His truth. What do you need to confess to Him? Where do you need His help?
SUBMIT TO GOD
John 3:18 NIV
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Submit your heart to God today and live free of condemnation!
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, you are gracious. You’ve given me life. You’ve redeemed my soul, and given me power through the Holy Spirit. Help me to live like you today. In Jesus Name, Amen!