A πͺ‘ about America in the larger scheme of world history.
I've often heard that America is a special nation chosen & blessed by God.
As I grow in my study of Scripture, esp the OT, I am struck by how incongruous this sentiment is with the vision of nations in the Bible. 1/
I've often heard that America is a special nation chosen & blessed by God.
As I grow in my study of Scripture, esp the OT, I am struck by how incongruous this sentiment is with the vision of nations in the Bible. 1/
I want to focus on the Messianic Kingdom and how it stands in contrast to the great empires of world history.
In Isaiah 60 the LORD describes Zion as the heart of an utterly unique kingdom due to the rule of the Messiah. 2/
In Isaiah 60 the LORD describes Zion as the heart of an utterly unique kingdom due to the rule of the Messiah. 2/
This King and his glorious Kingdom will draw the kings and nations of the world like a magnet (Isa 60:1-3). The light of God's glory will bring the adoration of the nations which includes tribute and treasures (Isa 60:4-9). The wealth of nations will flow to the π. 3/
Now notice how this is the ideal against which every great empire is judged.
Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, the Medo-Persian Empire, Greece, and Rome.
Each of these empires stole the wealth of nations through war, bloodshed, slavery, and oppression. Kings came to these nations... 4/
Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, the Medo-Persian Empire, Greece, and Rome.
Each of these empires stole the wealth of nations through war, bloodshed, slavery, and oppression. Kings came to these nations... 4/
...but they were not drawn there by light. They came by the π‘οΈ & gave tribute under oppression.
Now when we measure America against these biblical standards βοΈ it is clear that America is an empire in the direct line of these world empires. 5/
Now when we measure America against these biblical standards βοΈ it is clear that America is an empire in the direct line of these world empires. 5/
Contrary to nationalistic beliefs, America took its land from indigenous nations. It was through treachery and bloodshed that they gained their land.
They built their empire on the backs of African slaves.
The freedom & civilization they priced themselves was exclusive. 6/
They built their empire on the backs of African slaves.
The freedom & civilization they priced themselves was exclusive. 6/
Now some argue that America has brought advancements & contributions to humanity & this is true. But this is also true of all π empires.
In secular histories, Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, & Rome are considered centers of civilization, science, and the humanities. 7/
In secular histories, Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, & Rome are considered centers of civilization, science, and the humanities. 7/
These empires advanced human knowledge, the arts, medicine, science, & technology. But this is not what God weighs them by on his βοΈ.
It is righteousness which is defined by love (hesed) and doing what is right, aka, justice.
This is the essence of the Messiah's Kingdom. 8/
It is righteousness which is defined by love (hesed) and doing what is right, aka, justice.
This is the essence of the Messiah's Kingdom. 8/
So in light of this biblical standard, America is a great nation, but not as often thought. It's an empire in the same tradition as Egypt to Babylon to Rome.
When we see America in this light, we will finally be able to work toward repentance, repair, & reconciliation. /End
When we see America in this light, we will finally be able to work toward repentance, repair, & reconciliation. /End
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