Decision America

This past Wednesday, Franklin Graham came to our state capital in Madison. He is touring the country, appearing at all 50 state capitals, appealing to all Christians to pray and to get involved in local government. Basically, he was telling us that we need to make a "decision, America." A decision about our future. It's time to take back this once-great country in the name of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ.

Mr. Graham spoke about this country's past, present and future - and how we have lost our direction and our focus. I wonder . . . are his hopes of taking back our country too late? Sadly, I cannot answer that question positively with any confidence. But at least he is doing something. At least he is trying.

The day after his speech I was reflecting on Mr. Graham's message, I began to look at just what he was doing - this act of his touring the country, reminding people what God's Word says. Mr. Graham was warning us to repent and change our wicked ways or face the wrath of Almighty God. Where have we heard that message before?

Before God unleashed punishment on the Israelites, He often sent them a warning through the prophets or through a king. The Israelites always seemed to refuse to yield to God's recommendations. God always seemed to punished them for their transgressions.

Have you ever read the Book of Jonah? Most people remember the story about Jonah being swallowed by a whale or a large fish. The big story in the book though is really about a city that repented after hearing someone preach to them - just like Franklin Graham is speaking to our country. The big question for us is, will we listen to such preaching? Only a few of us will listen I fear. But what woul happen if we DID listen . . . if we DID repent as a nation and turn from our wicked way like Nineveh did?

"10 Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it." - Jonah 3:10

What if Franklin Graham is acting in the role of a prophet? He IS speaking words of warning about our need for repentance? Sadly, we as a people, for the most part, are choosing to ignore those warnings. I fear this nation is headed for punishment in the near future. Unless God has mercy and forgives our wicked ways (not likely) we will surely feel the wrath of God across this great land.

God is loving, merciful and patient but He is not tolerance of disobedience.

Jonah: The World's Greatest Fish Story

The Book of Jonah