Connecting Point: Security and Repentance

Blame is something that gets tossed around. Truthfully, we don’t like to admit we are wrong. In opinion shaped by studying the Book of Lamentations, a very great lie clouding humanity’s judgment is the foolhardy notion that sin is no big deal. Why do we believe that we can ignore the standards that God has established? In part, we develop false security. But, does this account for all of it?

Taking lessons from history is always worthwhile. For example, Jerusalem prior to its destruction in 587 B.C. was a highly fortified city. Under the reigns of Kings Uzziah, Hezekiah, and Manasseh, the foes of Israel shook in their boots, daring not to come against such a powerful nation. While on the outside Jerusalem appeared to be strong through its military force there was a much more subtle spiritual decline simmering, a recipe for disaster. Pride brought this nation to destruction; rooted in sin shared from generation to generation, starting with leadership.

Jeremiah sets the record straight. “The kings of the earth did not believe, nor did any of the peoples of the world, that enemies and foes could enter the gates of Jerusalem. But it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who shed within her the blood of the righteous. Now they grope through the streets as if they were blind. They are so defiled with blood that no one dares to touch their garments. ‘Go away! You are unclean!’ people cry to them. ‘Away! Away! Don’t touch us!’ When they flee and wander about, people among the nations say, ‘They can stay here no longer,’” (Lam. 4:12-15).

Wow, what a charge! The destruction of Jerusalem rests with spiritual leaders. Keep in mind, at this time Israel wasn’t governed by a political system like ours. Priests and prophets served alongside king. They claimed to be spiritual yet they were neck deep in sinful practices including; putting to death true worshipers of God and upright prophets to silence them. Repentance so often starts with those in spiritual authority.

The connection for us is the spiritual decline and rot in our country. We should not pass the blame to previous generations, but accept responsibility for our own sinful practices. To suggest that America wasn’t founded on Christian morals and values is a blatant disregard for the truth and our rich history. Perhaps our sense of security is much larger than simply being proud. Perhaps the corruption is much deeper.

I wonder if our nation is developing a dangerous sense of security, as if we are untouchable? Bluntly, within our country’s spiritual decay are the links to future trouble. According to the Scottish Historian Lord Tytler most democracies age 200 years. We’re over our mark. Isn’t this something to consider in light of our need for repentance? For many Christians, now, before Easter, is a time to reflect and to repent.