How a Nation or People Get Off Track

Posted on Feb 12, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: There is a parallel between Judah and America. Technically speaking, Jeremiah’s message was to the southern kingdom of Israel called Judah. Keep in mind, this was after the northern kingdom of Israel was overtaken by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. His warning of God’s impending judgment can be read in the chapters preceding this ninth chapter.

What was God’s reasoning for bringing judgment and chastisement? The answer is found in their apostasy—politically, religiously, and nationally. When a nation depends upon and boasts of its wealth and intellectual achievements without giving God credit, know this: they are headed for a fall.

Follow Jeremiah’s warning:

1. When man glories in his own wisdom or riches, he is headed for a fall! (Jeremiah 9:23) – “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches.”

After all, it is the Almighty who gives man the ability to gain wealth, along with reason and understanding. The prophet Daniel confirms this truth: “Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.” (Daniel 2:20-21)

Furthermore, the Psalmist spoke about man’s riches: “And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.” (Psalm 73:11-12)

Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, reveals the danger of not giving God glory because of greed: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

What do you think of these statements? Fairly self-explanatory, isn’t it?

2. When we give God the glory for everything, that gives Him delight! (Jeremiah 9:24) – “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.”

America must learn, like Judah, that our God deserves the glory! He will get it one way or another. Are you giving Him the glory? Do you ever rob the Lord Jesus of the glory He deserves?

Conclusion: Eventually, the nation of Israel learned this lesson. After seventy years of captivity, they returned to their homeland. Yet, in the providence of God, they were overtaken once again in 70 A.D. by the Romans and scattered abroad. However, they returned as a nation on May 14, 1948.

Until this day, they are being blessed, but not without struggles. Futuristically, Israel will be overpowered by the Man of Sin—Antichrist—until Jesus Christ comes in His Second Coming, inaugurating His kingdom, and there shall be no end. Although blinded now, many will look upon their Messiah for their salvation.

Remember, these Scriptures were written for our example.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese