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Knowing God

by Michelle Wilson on February 12, 2025

Dear Friends,

Tuesday morning I looked for the Gulf of Mexico on Google Maps, and it was no longer there. I found the Gulf of America in its place. In terms of direct human impact, this seems a very small thing. But this hubris does not bode well for America. 

It is often thought that the city of Sodom was destroyed by God because its people practiced homosexuality. But this is not what is written in the Bible. God spoke through the prophet Ezekiel, “Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy” (Ezek. 16:49 NIV). Sodom was destroyed for the arrogance, greed, self-absorption, and callous disregard for those in need displayed by its wealthy and powerful. Perhaps the most frightening thing happening in our nation right now is the idea that Jesus desires America to become more like Sodom and less like the kingdom of God. 

I’m not a politician or an economist. My understanding of international affairs is grossly inadequate. I don’t have any answers for best practices in the budgets and priorities of nations. But I do know what the Bible teaches about the knowledge and blessing of God. Speaking of the Israelite king Josiah and as a rebuke to his wayward son Jehoiakim, God said through the prophet Jeremiah, “He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?” (Jer. 22:16 NIV). And in his exhortation to Christian leaders not to accept honorific titles, Jesus says, “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matt. 23:12 NIV).

My most precious friends, whatever else we do, and regardless of any disagreements we may have about how to run a nation, let’s not allow ourselves to be deceived about the way of life Jesus has called us to. Jesus warns us against ignoring his teaching, saying,

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and don’t do what I say? I’ll show what it’s like when someone comes to me, hears my words, and puts them into practice. It’s like a person building a house by digging deep and laying the foundation on bedrock. When the flood came, the rising water smashed against that house, but the water couldn’t shake the house because it was well built. But those who don’t put into practice what they hear are like a person who built a house without a foundation. The floodwater smashed against it and it collapsed instantly. It was completely destroyed” (Luke 6:46-49 CEB).

The good news in this warning is that, if we continue in the way of Jesus, we will find ourselves secure in him no matter what happens around us. This we don’t do in our own power but by his Spirit that lives in us so that the lifestyle of Jesus is not a heavy burden we are forced carry but a continual celebration of the goodness of God as we grow daily in intimate friendship with Jesus. 

May you be encouraged. May you be faithful. May you be filled with the love of God.

A Prayer:
Jesus, teach me your ways. Let me listen first and foremost to your voice as I read it in the scriptures and as you speak to me by your Spirit. Let me not be led astray by those who claim to serve you but do not know you. Instead, teach me humility and compassion, and in this way, draw me near to you.

Love in Christ,
Michelle

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