March 20, 2021
Alexis de Tocqueville, was a political scientist, historian, and politician, (born July 29, 1805, Paris, France—died April 16, 1859, Cannes). He is best known for writing the Democracy in America, 4 vol. (1835–40), which was a perceptive analysis of the political and social system of the United States in the early 19th century. In his writings he shared this fascinating discovery:
“I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers—and it was not there. . . . . in her fertile fields and boundless forests—and it was not there. . . . .in her rich mines and her vast world commerce—and it was not there. . . . in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution—and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”
I think his observation of America was insightful. Most of us would agree that the United States of America is a blessed nation, unlike any other nation in world history. Unfortunately, most of us would also agree that America looks to be on descent. In some ways it seems like our country is not just on the decline, but it seems like we are plummeting! The Godly foundation from which our nation began is crumbling and a lot of us are feeling pretty helpless. In Psalm 11:3 we read, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” So, what do we do?
As Christians, we know that God is our only hope. In the verses following Psalm 11:3 we read in 4-5, “The LORD is in His holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven: His eyes behold, His eyelids try, the children of men. The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence His soul hateth.” I find great comfort in knowing that God is fully aware of what is happening in America. He is still in His holy temple, God is still on the throne of Heaven. His eyes are upon us and I think that even now, He is trying His children. We are under God’s watchful eye. So, what do we do? The classic and the correct answer to this question is, we pray! But is that all God wants His children to do?
Nations have come and gone since time began. An interesting observation was made by the Scottish philosopher Alexander Tyler, of the University of Edinburg where he noted eight stages that occur with great nations in world which have risen and fallen.
1. From bondage to spiritual growth
2. From spiritual growth to great courage
3. From courage to liberty
4. From liberty to abundance
5. From abundance to complacency
6. From complacency to apathy
7. From apathy to dependence
8. From dependence back to bondage
The eight stages Alexander Tyler point out bear a striking resemblance to the progression of America, and I believe that we are entering the eighth stage. Does this mean the end of America? Only God knows for sure. But we do know that God is the only one who can turn things around if He so chooses.
The Holy Bible records history of the nations. Specifically, the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people have been through the eight stages mentioned above multiple times. Because of their obedience and disobedience to God, Israel has risen and fallen throughout Biblical history. Even today, they are a nation who still strive for peace as they await their promised Messiah with hope that peace will finally come to their land. Sadly, they do not realize that their Peace has already come, and they do not recognize Him. The Jewish religion refuse to believe that Jesus Christ is their promised Messiah, the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:14, John 16:33)
After Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, the Jews and Jesus’ disciples continued to look for a restoration to their earthly kingdom of Israel. In Acts 1:6 we read, “When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Even after seeing the miracles of Christ, hearing His teachings, and witnessing His glorious resurrection, they were still placing emphasis on earthly matters. Jesus replied to their question and said in Acts 1:7-8, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Jesus always directed them to the eternal Kingdom, the Kingdom of God which is not of this world. (John 18:33-37) We look at the disciples’ lack of understanding and are amazed at how quickly they lose their eternal focus, but don’t we do the same? Lord, wilt thou restore again the kingdom of America?
For the past few years we have been hearing the phrase “Make America Great Again”. A phrase that brought hope in these times of discouragement. A lot of Christians looked for President Donald Trump to get America back on the right track. Granted, the man had his flaws, but it appeared that he did take a good conservative approach in his leadership choices. But it took only less than a year for his accomplishments to unravel. Remember, “The Lord trieth the righteous.” (Psalm 11:5) Are we being tried? If so, what do we do?
When the disciples questioned Jesus about the future of the earthly kingdom of Israel (Acts 1:6), He said that the Holy Ghost is going to empower them and lead them. (John 16:13, Acts 1:7-8) Jesus said to them, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
Jesus’ last words before His ascension were to go, to teach, and to make disciples! He did not say to fight for the earthly kingdom of Israel. Jesus said they would receive power to be HIS witnesses and on the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit came and empowered them to follow Christ’s command, and that is exactly what they did. Hallelujah! The Church was born and has been prevailing ever since! (Matthew 16:18, John 12:32, Acts 2:47,4:4, 5:14, 9:31, Acts12:24)
America may be in trouble but God is still great, and He is always in control! The Church is not called to save America, our call is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ which saves souls! No matter what happens to the United States of America, we as soldiers of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, march onward!
Scripture For Further Study
2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 2, Psalm 22:27-28, Psalm 33:12, Proverbs 21:1, Proverbs 29:2, Daniel 2:20-23, Daniel 9:1-19, 1 Timothy 2:1-4, 2 Timothy 2:1-7
In Times Like These 