03/19/2023
Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’ Isaiah 46:9-10 (NKJV)
The campaign slogan we all know as ‘Make America Great Again’ (MAGA) has become the rallying cry for many across the nation both politically and socially since the 2016 presidential election campaign. It has also become a point of contentious division for others. Either way the phrase has garnered significant attention in the media and from some pulpits on what supposedly makes America great. No doubt, the perspective on that subject has shifted from prior generations to the current one.
MAGA, in fact, implies that America was once great and has lost its strength and sense of the original vision and purpose cast by the Founding Fathers. History has shown that there has not been another nation like the United States where individual freedom, opportunity, and the ideals of life and liberty have been upheld by precept and the rule of law. Yes, there is little doubt that America is in decline suffering from cycles of war, financial uncertainty, social turbulence, and lost virtue. Given the constant stream of unsettling news and events in the economic, political, geo-political, and social arenas, our confidence in the core institutions that we have depended on for stability is understandably shaken. Popular opinion points the finger at our politicians for the root cause of our nation’s decline and weakened global influence. But that idea in itself demonstrates our dependence, trust and faith have mistakenly migrated to seeking human solutions for difficult issues instead of God.
MAGA also implies that America ‘can be‘ great again. Many assumptions about the achievement of greatness are attributed to American ingenuity, financial prowess, and blood, sweat and tears which is only partially true. Americans historically have been a very industrious people with a willingness to sacrifice to leave a legacy of betterment for future generations. However, past generations in our country also understood that faith in the God who bestows blessings was part of the enduring success equation. It was a faith that was committed to a truth that is immutable and transcends our own ability to rationalize the principles of right and wrong. Over the last 100 plus years we as a nation have done everything to obscure, legislate and minimize the Biblical principles out of our society and daily life. The pulpits and churches in America have been equally complicit bending to ungodly social norms and weakly challenging those who would redefine truth.
So, can America be great again? Possibly, but not in its current spiritual condition. Without God and His truth as the foundation of life, our efforts to improve our national well-being will only continue to be frustrated and lead to further decline as a nation and people. Many social mandates and abhorrent legislative agendas being pursued in our nation are a ‘fist shake’ in the face of God and have been for decades. The God of Heaven will not bend to the will of man or sway to the whims of our culture’s self affirming form of narcissistic truth. Until the premise that God is sovereign is acquiesced to by our leaders and people, America will continue on its current downward path.
Many prognosticators believe America is already under severe judgement from God with little hope of surviving an ultimate demise. Reverend Franklin Graham is quoted recently saying “Christian faith in America has ‘never’ been at a lower point“. But with God, His mercy is new every morning. The call to the American people is to remember the former blessings God has bestowed upon our nation and turn back to Him. Like the message from Jesus to the dead church in Sardis: remember and turn back to the One who can deliver us.
These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. Revelation 3:1-3
When uncertain times arise and evil threatens to vanquish the land, the call of God is for those who follow Christ to stand as uncommon and resolute people who unashamedly proclaim the truth of His Word calling people to repentance and standing for righteousness. Our goal as followers of Christ should not be to make America great again but to make the Name of the Lord God great among the nations and peoples. True, lasting freedom comes through Jesus Christ and Him alone.
M.P.Bramble
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