MOVING THE ANCIENT BOUNDARIES

Everything God does is based on covenant.

From the early days of Genesis we can follow the red thread of the covenants throughout the entire Word of God. And the Word begins and ends with covenant—God’s covenants with His people—some unconditional, others conditional.

God brought ancient Israel to the promised land just like He brought our founding fathers to the shores of America. Both were lands flowing with milk and honey. Both sets of immigrants made covenants with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, The Lord God Almighty, El Shaddai—conditional covenants of blessing and cursing. And just like those early Israelites, Americans have abandoned the God of our fathers, abandoned the covenant and thumbed their noses at the promised blessings.

History confirms when we defile God’s covenant, cursing and judgment must follow.

God warned Israel over and over again. Through His Word, through the prophets, and through minor judgments aimed at turning their hearts back to Him. But they refused to listen and spiraled into the depths of abominations. Ezekiel tells us their behavior was worse than the pagan nations surrounding them.

Joshua finally led Israel into the land God promised and scripture tells us about two mountains, Mt. Gerizim, the Mountain of Blessing, and Mt. Ebal, the Mountain of Cursing. One group of priests would stand atop Mt. Gerizim and shout the blessings of  God to the people. Then from Mt. Ebal another group of priests would shout to remind them of their cursing by God if they disobeyed.

Notice they didn’t need to be reminded God loved them. His blessings confirmed His love. However, even though they were reminded of the consequences of rebellion, they chose cursing. I’m sure over a period of time the only word they heard from the mountains was “blah, blah, blah.” Just like we do. Both in and out of church.

Therefore, in 722 B.C. God’s judgment began with the removal of the northern kingdom. Syria invaded Israel and carried those ten tribes into captivity. And God clearly states, He did this because of their rebellion.

Judah, the southern kingdom, refused to learn, thinking God would surely not destroy His temple and Jerusalem. For goodness sake, it was His holy city. But in 605 B.C. the Babylonian Empire invaded and carried great numbers of the upper crust of Judah off to Babylon. Daniel and his three famous friends also went to Babylon at this time. And again, God said He did this because of their rebellion.

A second invasion of Judah occurred in 597 B.C. and Babylon took Ezekiel and ten thousand others captive. But the people left still didn’t get the message. And the priests continued to speak the lies of their own words, not God’s word. The Book of Ezekiel tells us about those priests’ behavior and their actions would curl your hair.

Then in 586 B.C. a third invasion occurred and the temple and Jerusalem were completely destroyed. Just like God said would happen.

God told them He would make Israel a desolation and a waste; that the pride of her power would cease. He said that the mountains of Israel would be desolate allowing no one to pass through. And every word from the mouth of God was fulfilled so that “…they will know that I am the Lord, when I make the land a desolation and a waste because of all their abominations which they have committed” (Ezekiel 33:29 NAS).

Rebellion and disobedience always produces sorrow. Faithfulness and obedience always produces good.

Scripture tells us that “God’s Word will stand forever.” It further tells us that “God is the same, today, yesterday, and yes, forever.” Yet is all we hear “blah, blah, blah?”

America has chosen the same rebellion that existed in ancient Israel: Shedding innocent blood, lifting up our eyes to idols, committing abominations (the list is lengthy) and each of you defiling his neighbor’s wife. God asked Israel, “Should you then possess the land” (Ezekiel 33:26-28 NAS)? Is God asking His people that same question today? I believe He is.

We don’t own the land. God does. We are stewards—His stewards. Whether we believe it or not. And all stewards are held accountable for their trusts.

I speak about the times we are living in and the urgency of the hour and folks look at me like I have two heads and both of them are crazy. They still don’t believe that one day, and according to scripture I believe very soon, this Age of Grace will be over. This age will end and we are headed for the “glorious appearing”. But at least half of Americans are like ancient Israel who missed His appearing 2,000 plus years ago because of their lack of belief. Only this time the following period won’t be grace, it will be Tribulation.

So my questions for you today are as follows: Which mountain have you chosen to build your life upon? Mt. Gerizim or Mt. Ebal? The Mount of Blessing or the Mount of Cursing? Deuteronomy 11, 12 and 13 were pivotal chapters for the nation of Israel and we see the consequences of their choice even today. Do you think these chapters might be pivotal to America if our people, our pastors and our leaders read and obeyed this Word of God?

What do you think would change or is it too late?