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The Old Testament historical and prophetic books have a lot to say about the relationship between the Israelites and their country. As we read those words, it’s a little tricky for American Christians to navigate specifically which of those things might apply to us today.
Here is what America is not:we are not the new Israel. Believers in Christ are the fulfillment of the prophecies of Israel’s restoration. We are not God’s chosen people. God certainly loves America, but he loves and has richly blessed many other countries too. We are not a theocracy, i.e., a form of government where our laws come straight from the Bible and direct guidance for governmental decisions comes straight from God.
Here is what America is:a place richly blessed by God; a place that enjoys many spiritual freedoms, including the right to believe and practice our faith and to share it freely; a place richly blessed with the financial resources to spread the Word beyond its borders through missionaries and mass media; and your place to find joy in serving others.
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness. . . . It is he who made us, and we are his” (Psalm 100:1-3).
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