1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. 2 "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:1-3 (NIV)
My friend David points out the arrogance of may Americans when he jokingly prays, “God bless America…and nobody else! Okay, God bless Great Britain; God bless Australia; God bless…our allies.” (I'm being facetious, not Fascist) Nationalism of any stripe often gives the impression that they have “Favored Nation Status” with God.
"All peoples (nations) on earth will be blessed through you." This was not spoken to America, or about America. It was said by God to Abram (Abraham), describing God’s dream for His Kingdom-people. God’s plan was to have a people who would be His treasured possession, and through whom He would bless all the nations (people groups) of the earth.
The Apostle Peter desribes the followers of Jesus like this: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)
True Christ-followers are also able to sincerely pray, “God bless Iraq; God bless Iran; God bless North Korea; God bless Somalia; God bless China; God bless France…”
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? (Matthew 5:38-48)
Love turns the other cheek, gives an enemy the shirt off one's back and goes the extra mile; and in doing so unleases the transforming power of Jesus. God is not American; he is not a Republican, or a Democrat. God is God! His “called out ones” (church) are citizens of a new kingdom and our allegiance to God's Kingdom is greater than our admiration or allegiance to any earthly kingdom.
How can God bless the nations through His “Kingdom People”, People of Faith from all “nations”? God’s People will teach the world how to LIVE. God’s People will teach the world how to LOVE. God’s People will teach the world how to truly BE FREE. Not pacifism; not a passiveness that “takes everything lying down”, or an aggressive force that rolls over everything in its path. Jesus' way is a love that says to evil, "enough, you will not do that on my watch!" Jesus' way is a Transforming Force that changes everything it touches for the better.
~ Father, thank you for your blessings. Teach us the transforming power of love and how we can be a blessing to all the nations. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment