Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, September 12, 2021

At the Crossroads of Faith and Patriotism

Today Pastor Michael is reflecting on faith and patriotism, entirely fitting at the twentieth anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the United States.  Some liken faith and patriotism to being nearly the same thing, but are they?  So we begin our journey at that, the crossroads of faith and patriotism.

God has given us a responsibility to both heaven and our nation.  Taking our bible verse, one step at a time, we notice God is talking to “His” people.  Not limited to one nation or one group of people.  2nd Chronicles 7: 14 appeals to us, not first as citizens of an earthly nation but as the citizens of Heaven, interceding for an earthly nation.

Next, “will humble themselves”.  God tells His people to humble themselves. That one is a little tougher.  Humility is never easy.  Followers of Jesus have always been the underdogs, but our greatest power comes from our humble trust in the Lord.  If we do not humble ourselves, we are going to BE humbled.

“…and pray to seek My face,…”. If the Lord has put us in a position to participate in steering our nation, we should do so.  Remember, the first and most important way to influence our nation: Pray and seek His Face.

“…and turn from their wicked ways…”.  When the Lord tells us to turn from our wicked ways, he’s NOT just talking to unbelievers.  It truth, revival always and forever begins with a remnant of real believers who finally get heartbroken enough over this own spiritual poverty to cry out to God in repentance.  

“..then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  When God’s people seek Him and pray and repent, He will bless the land where they live.  This isn’t limited to YOUR land…it’s on a national scale.  When God’s people turn to Him, He blesses the nation.  

We are at the crossroads of Faith and Patriotism and find this truth: if we really want good things for our nation, the most powerful thing we can do is humble ourselves and pray, seeking God’s face and turn from our wicked ways.  

Our nation needs Jesus people to engage in the political process, but even more to engage in the spiritual process. 

Today’s bible verse is found in 2nd Chronicles 7: 14