There is a book I used to read to my daughter when she was young. It is a foggy memory now but the story line goes something like this. A certain emperor commissioned some weavers to make him new clothes. Being of the baser sort, they pretended to sew beautiful garments for the emperor, when in reality, they didn't make a thing. When they presented their imaginary creations to the emperor and made a big pretense of clothing him in these fine robes, he noticed that he could not see them and neither could anyone else, for that matter. As he stood before them in his royal underwear, the weavers raved about how majestic he looked. They encouraged him to make ready a grand ceremony and present himself to his subjects, donned in these fabulous robes. Not wanting to admit the truth, he followed their advice and rode through the streets in his chariot wearing his imaginary clothes. The crowds stood by, whispering to one another, baffled by what they were witnessing but afraid to say anything. All at once, one young boy bravely stood up and shouted, "The Emperor Has No Clothes".
Why has this children's book suddenly come to mind? It reminds me of what is happening in America today. We are constantly fed with statements such as, "We are God's Country", "We are a Christian Nation", "We are the greatest country on earth", "We are the world's only superpower". All of this was once true. I believe with all my heart that God himself established America to be a light to the world, much as he did ancient Israel. He blessed us with the double birthright blessing of Jacob's son, Joseph. Like Joseph in Egypt, America provided the bread of life to many nations, materially and spiritually. However, we failed to realize that all of our blessings came from God and, as we systematically, one law at a time, have pushed God out of our nation, we have spiraled downward and continue to plummet at an alarming rate.
What does God say to a nation that once knew Him, but have turned a blind eye and deaf ear to His instructions?
Isaiah 1:4 "Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward."
Isaiah 2:8 "Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made:"
Isaiah 3:9 "The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves."
Isa 9:16 "For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed"
Jeremiah 2:11 "Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit."
Jeremiah 4:22 "For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.""
Many of America's leaders are corrupt. More and more of our religious leaders are abandoning the word of God and embracing or condoning immoral behavior. Wisdom has fallen in the street. America, once the head of nations has become the tail. Our enemies mock us. They have no fear of our superpower status. Our influence has been weakened around the world, for we have flaunted our sins for all to see.
America has forgotten that her blessings came only from God. He was our covering. That covering has been removed and now we stand naked before Him. We say we are His, we say we love the Lord, we flock to houses of worship each week and delude ourselves that our nation is one nation under God. We may convince ourselves, but, what does He see?
Isaiah 29:13-14 "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid."
It's past time for all who still call upon the name of the Lord to repent and seek His face. It's past time for someone, anyone, to stand up and declare, "The emperor has no clothes".
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