Are you seeking the welfare and praying for the city and nation where you live?

On Friday, July 4, the United States will celebrate the 249th anniversary of the official signing of the Declaration of Independence. Many nations have longer histories than this country. But, how do you think the nation where we live is doing? Is America healthy? Is the direction of this nation going in a good, or bad, direction?

Many older people who remember this country in the 40’s, or 50’s, or even the 60’s, may look back on what they consider ‘the good old days,’ and point to problems which America faces today. Americans may be better off financially than even before, even if they deny the fact. However, families are not as stable, and often broken. Drugs and substance abuse continue to be a growing problem hurting families and taking lives. Most people distrust institutions, including the government and the church. Instead of living as “one nation under God,” we are terribly divided. What are Christians to do when the direction of their country seems contrary to the will of God for His people?

First, it is important to remember that Jesus came to save people, not governments. Jesus told those eating in the house of Zacchaeus, “ . . . the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10) Jesus came to save people, to save sinners, not to save nations!

Second, scripture does teach that, at times, the Lord has His hand in the affairs of nations. For example, in Mary’s hymn of praise which we call The Magnificat, these are her spirit-inspired words: “50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.” (Luke 1:50-53) God does accomplish His purposes among the nations in order that people may come to Jesus.

So, what should a Christian do when a nation seems to turn away from the Lord? I know people who feel betrayed by the changes in this nation. Yet we should not be surprised when leaders become proud because of their power, nor when people turn away from the Lord toward their own thoughts and desires. That is the history of our sinful world.

Nevertheless, the Lord does call His children to work for the good of their communities and their nation. The Lord encouraged such behavior from the people of Israel when they were in exile in Babylon. Remember, Babylon was a nation whose ‘gods’ were not the true God. In spite of this fact, please listen to His instructions. 4 "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. 7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:4-7) Are you seeking the welfare of the community and nation where you live? Do you pray for your country, your state, your city, and its leaders?

When Jesus conducted His ministry, Herod Antipas was king of Judea. Herod caused some issues for Jesus’ work. The king arrested John the Baptist and had him put to death. When Jesus heard of John’s execution, we are told Jesus “withdrew to a desolate place.” (Matthew 14:13) In Luke 13:31 the Pharisees, of all people, warned Jesus about Herod. Yet, Jesus still cared about the nation and it’s people. Listen to His lament, “37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37) Jesus does not just mention the people, He cares about the city. He wanted to give His love. But Jerusalem resisted the love and guidance of the Savior, at least at that time. So, they crucified Jesus. He died for their sins, and for those of all the world.

In his inaugural address in 1961, President John F. Kennedy is famous for encouraging Americans, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” I’m not sure that is a common thought in America today. Nevertheless, the Lord encouraged the Jews in the foreign nation of Babylon, and He encourages His church today, even if people still do not want to listen to Him, 7 . . . seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you . . . , and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”

Are you seeking the welfare and praying for the city and the nation where you live?