1/7/13

Although France is not the most impressive place I have ever visited and the French are not the most impressive people I have ever met, I have to give honor where honor is due.  Two French observers of our nation back in the 1830’s have really impressed me with their keen insights into America.  First, look at this from Alexis de Tocqueville, “The Americans combine the notions of Christianity and of liberty so intimately in their minds that it is impossible to make them conceive the one without the other.  Upon my arrival in the United States, the religious aspect of the country was the first thing that struck my attention; and the longer I stayed there, the more did I perceive the great political consequences resulting from this state of things, to which I was unaccustomed.  In France I had almost always seen the spirit of religion and the spirit of freedom pursuing courses diametrically opposed to each other; but in America I found that they were intimately united, and that they reigned in common over the same country.”

Now consider the assessment of Achille Murat,  “There is no country in which the people are so religious as in the United States… The great number of religious societies existing here is truly surprising: There are some of them for everything; for instance, societies to distribute the Bible; to distribute tracts; to encourage religious journals; to convert, civilize, educate… to take care of their widows and orphans; to preach, extend, purify, preserve, reform the faith; to build chapels, endow congregations, support seminaries… to establish Sunday schools… to prevent drunkenness, etc.”

These two outside observers have their finger on the pulse of our greatness as a nation in years past.  When these two men speak of ‘religion,’ let the record show they are talking about Christianity!  This coming weekend [1/12-13/13] at Crossroads we will be introduced/re-introduced to Jesus as “The Blesser of Nations.”  America, as she was in her greatness, is perhaps the best illustration of the irrefutable truth that expanding His Lordship in the society/culture is the greatest single advantage to a nation.  And conversely, the most damaging and dangerous action taken by any government of men is to persecute, compartmentalize or marginalize the Gospel of Christ. 

Pray with me… Father God, as Your people, give us a moment of truth, of sanity in these days… to humble ourselves and pray and seek your face and turn from our wicked ways to claim the promise of spiritual, moral, political and domestic healing in our land.   In the Name of the Great Physician… Jesus our Lord we pray, amen.

Blessings,
Pastor Ken