The Holy Spirit has been speaking to me a lot over the past month about how the Church must now posture itself amid an atmosphere and people that call good/evil and evil/good. He clearly has spoken that it is the Church’s responsibility and call to pray for and show kindness to those who have been deceived and turned away from God. He also spoke to me saying,
My Church must stop the ‘pointing of the finger’ toward the lost and repent for blaming others for the condition of their nation— for it is My Church that sets the course of a nation.”
Though blaming the “sinner” seems to be an easy conclusion— God seems to see it differently and more often judgments upon lands/nations come as a result of His people needing to repent. Repent for judging, for pointing the finger in blame, for not loving, for slandering, and for having wicked thoughts toward another.
…and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
“My people” not those who are not His.
Romans 1 & 2 reveal yet another view of this alignment with God’s truth and ways. Romans 1:18-32 outline the consequences for those who do not believe in God and turn to unnatural and deprived ways and actions. It speaks directly and in great description about what unbelief leads to. Which is what we see clearly in the world around us (I’ll let you read it on your own— please take the time to read these verses). The chapter ends with these words,
…those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but they give hearty approval to those who practice them.” Romans 1:32
There is a sound and voice of “hearty approval” for what God calls evil in our day and in our nation. But we must not stop at Romans 1 but read on from there! Romans 2 immediately addresses His people with a “hearty disapproval” regarding them judging and condemning those who practice evil. He equates “judging” with the same deprivation outlined in Romans 1! Both lead to death. He reminds us that He is judge and that surely He does not need our help in that because His judgments will “rightly fall upon those who practice such things.” He also reminds us that it was His kindness that called each one of us out of our sin and shame.
Romans 2:3-4 says this,
So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”
I have wondered if we see within the Church struggles with the sins of the flesh (lust, perversions, pornography, etc) because we have not dealt with judgments that have been privately and publicly expressed toward those who have turned to unnatural and immoral behaviors. We must not be the ones who are pointing the finger at the world but rather be the ones revealing the kindness of God that saved each one of us and is reaching out to save them as well. When we repent for our judgments and for pointing our fingers in blame— there is a great and powerful promise for us,
Then your light will appear like the dawn, and your recovery will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the Lord’s glory will be your rear guard. At that time, when you call, the Lord will answer; when you cry out, He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you get rid of the yoke among you, the finger-pointing and malicious speaking, and if you offer yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted one, then your light will shine in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday. The Lord will always lead you, satisfy you in a parched land, and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden and like a spring whose waters never run dry.” Isaiah 58:8-11
I far prefer to write messages that speak of God’s fulfilled promises and His miracles but we are in a new season where God is aligning His Church with His truth and wisdom so that we can walk in and apprehend all of His teachings and benefits. Repentance and alignment with His Word will become our breakthrough and will bring breakthrough for entire nations— through His people and what they are doing not through what the world is doing or not doing. Our repentance of allowing harsh judgments and pointing our finger at the “sinners” will become our breakthrough and can usher in their breakthrough.
Though I suspect that few will read this post due to the nature of it, I pray that many will and that they will allow the Lord to examine their hearts and bring them to repentance if judgments are found there. There is no condemnation, just a turning away and asking for forgiveness for any judgments and receiving God’s kindness into the place where these judgments once held us captive.
but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism (partiality).” Romans 2:10-11
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Inscribe Ministries
Featured Image by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
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