Even though these three men, Noah, Daniel and Job were in its midst...

Ezekiel 14:12-23 (NASB) from the daily reading in the One Year Bible

The City Will Not Be Spared

¹² Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, ¹³ “Son of man, if a country sins against Me by committing unfaithfulness, and I stretch out My hand against it, destroy its supply of bread, send famine against it and cut off from it both man and beast, ¹⁴ even though these three men, Noah, Daniel and Job were in its midst, by their own righteousness they could only deliver themselves,” declares the Lord God. ¹⁵ “If I were to cause wild beasts to pass through the land and they depopulated it, and it became desolate so that no one would pass through it because of the beasts, ¹⁶ though these three men were in its midst, as I live,” declares the Lord God, “they could not deliver either their sons or their daughters. They alone would be delivered, but the country would be desolate. ¹⁷ Or if I should bring a sword on that country and say, ‘Let the sword pass through the country and cut off man and beast from it,’ ¹⁸ even though these three men were in its midst, as I live,” declares the Lord God, “they could not deliver either their sons or their daughters, but they alone would be delivered. ¹⁹ Or if I should send a plague against that country and pour out My wrath in blood on it to cut off man and beast from it, ²⁰ even though Noah, Daniel and Job were in its midst, as I live,” declares the Lord God, “they could not deliver either their son or their daughter. They would deliver only themselves by their righteousness.”

²¹ For thus says the Lord God, “How much more when I send My four severe judgments against Jerusalem: sword, famine, wild beasts and plague to cut off man and beast from it! ²² Yet, behold, survivors will be left in it who will be brought out, both sons and daughters. Behold, they are going to come forth to you and you will see their conduct and actions; then you will be comforted for the calamity which I have brought against Jerusalem for everything which I have brought upon it. ²³ Then they will comfort you when you see their conduct and actions, for you will know that I have not done in vain whatever I did to it,” declares the Lord God.

We need to understand that the U.S. is not promised anything in scripture. The nation of Israel was the nation promised through the old covenant to have God’s blessing, to inherit the promised land and to live in God’s promises for provision, protection and blessing as long as they kept the law of God and served Him. The new covenant which we live under, the covenant of redemption, salvation and restoration through Christ does not concern itself with political entities. It is a new and better covenant in that it is for all people. It is though administered, through Christ, upon individuals, changing the hearts of men one person at a time.  

We need to hear and heed God’s word to Ezekiel: “...if a country sins against Me by committing unfaithfulness, and I stretch out My hand against it, destroy its supply of bread, send famine against it and cut off from it both man and beast, ¹⁴ even though these three men, Noah, Daniel and Job were in its midst, by their own righteousness they could only deliver themselves,” declares the Lord God.”    So while we as believers should pray for our nation, we should understand the times and the covenant we live under. Often people will come together in prayer around the theme of 2 Chronicles 7:14, which says:  if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  God spoke these words to Solomon, regarding the nation of Israel and the promise of their inheritance under the old covenant. Our inheritance under the new covenant is to become children of God.     For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. ¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.  And by him we cry, “Abba,  Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:14-17)  We do not inherit land or property here on earth.  We inherit all the promises and provision of the kingdom of God, along with redemption, reconciliation and eternal salvation.

^“ Even though these three men, Noah, Daniel and Job were in its midst, by their own righteousness they could only deliver themselves,” declares the Lord God.”  We as believers cannot deliver our land by our righteousness. In 1 Timothy 2:1-3, Paul encourages prayer that will impact the nation.       Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, ² for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. ³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.        We cannot deliver our nation from the depths of this darkness, but the Holy Spirit, who, “will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8), can change and heal the hearts of men.

If we do indeed want to see our nation changed, it does begin as we, believers, God’s people, who are called by His name, will humble themselves and pray and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways (we as believers must repent), then He will hear from heaven, and He will forgive their sin and will heal their hearts. Our nation can yet be turned to God and Jesus Christ, His Son, our Lord and Savior. Not by our righteousness, not because God has promised His blessing to this nation, but rather because:  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.(2 Peter 3:9)

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior, redeemer and Lord, precious Holy Spirit, my guide; I thank You for leading me to the knowledge of Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I am thankful that In Christ I have received the inheritance of the blessings and promises of the kingdom of God. Today, I do pray for the nations, the ethnos, for every tribe, race and tongue. I do pray for leaders, rulers, kings, authorities in all governments. I also pray for the homeless, the orphaned, for those who are imprisoned, either in physical incarceration or bound by addiction and sin. Set them free. Holy Spirit, reveal the Lord Jesus Christ to each and every one, from the least to the greatest. Heavenly Father it’s Your desire that none should be lost. I pray today that Your kingdom come, your will be done,    on earth as it is in heaven.  I pray that You change our nation and heal our land, one heart at a time. In the name that is above all names, the name at which every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord, in the name of Jesus, the Christ I pray.    Amen.