In recognition of the 250th anniversary of our country, this is the first of two columns by Dr. Leroy Goertzen exploring our nation’s moral and spiritual condition and how we compare with other nations that have come and gone.
For a nation to celebrate its Semiquincentennial is a major feat of historical proportion. Few nations can boast 250 years of uninterrupted freedom and self-governance. The US stands in some notable company. The Byzantine Empire (the Eastern Roman Empire) endured over 1,100 years. The Ottoman Empire also enjoyed an extended rule from the late 13th century to the end of WWI. The Roman Empire, founded by Octavian (Caesar Augustus), lasted nearly 500 years. And the British Empire—the empire upon which the sun never set—existed since 1707. In biblical history, the Kingdom of Judah lasted nearly 350 years, from Rehoboam in 930 BCE, until Jerusalem’s fall in 586 BCE.
The rise and fall of nations have long fascinated many scholars. Their studies suggest that a nation’s collapse is typically more complex than it appears. The weight of ongoing economic, geopolitical, governmental, and moral challenges builds over time, resulting in systemic collapse. From a biblical perspective, this explanation is more straightforward: God is sovereign over all nations and directs their rise and fall according to His divine plan.
The prophet Daniel said, “He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them.” Hence, He raises up nations to do his bidding—just as He had Babylon in Daniel’s day—and then Persia after it.
And yet, God’s sovereign rule over the nations interfaces seamlessly with a nation’s moral and spiritual condition. Solomon, the great king of Israel, wrote,
“Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin condemns any people.” (Prov 14:34)
A nation’s moral state clearly influences its future, but exactly how remains unknown. We do not understand how God evaluates a country’s measure of sin or righteousness in relation to its ruin or survival. As King David frequently laments, the wicked often prosper while the righteous suffer.
King Solomon acted against his own wisdom. His own spiritual and moral regression contributed to Israel’s spiritual degeneration and apostasy, which eventually led to God’s judgment and exile. However, as a young man, he was forewarned of this risk. After his heartfelt prayer dedicating the new Temple in Jerusalem, God appeared to him at night and warned,
13 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chron 7:14)
To be sure, this passage does not speak directly TO America. In this context, phrases like “my people” and “called by my name” specifically refer to national Israel. Solomon and the original audience of Chronicles would have understood this clearly.
However, the core theological idea underlying this passage is a universal principle, supported by Scripture in many ways. All people living in sin are called by God to repent so they can enjoy a blessed relationship with Him. In Ancient Israel, this usually meant that leaders repented, returned to God, and followed His covenant. Practically, it involved removing idolatrous symbols and practices from the land and restoring true worship as commanded by Moses and the prophets.
How did/does this occur? Repentance begins with humility—an honest, open acknowledgment that we have sinned and are responsible to God. King David expressed this in his penitential psalm: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Ps 51:17). Good intentions, best efforts, promises to clean up our act, erecting Christian monuments, electing Christian leaders, or personal sacrifices of any kind are no substitute for repentance. True repentance requires brokenness and contrition of heart. What results is a turning toward God and away from sin. We seek His presence through prayer, confess our sins, and commit to turning from them. God responds with grace and mercy, the source of forgiveness and healing.
America is a troubled and divided nation. Despite all the reasons we may glory in her achievements, bask in the freedoms we possess, and enjoy unparalleled affluence, we live in a country marked by moral and spiritual decline. This is not pessimism or moralizing; professional surveys have validated this for years now.
Yet I still get choked up when the Stars and Stripes are presented and the national anthem is sung. I believe America is the greatest nation on earth—and that, for many reasons. However, are we truly humble, or do pride and arrogance define us? Do we turn to prayer for guidance, or only in crises as a last resort? Are we individuals who repent, or do we justify and even legalize our wrongdoings? Since America is “We the People,” these questions should be personalized. Am I humble? Do I seek God’s guidance through prayer? Is my life characterized by repentance and a desire to avoid behaviors that cause moral and spiritual decline? Am I contributing to the revival our country needs? Have I made loving God with all my heart, soul, and strength my main focus? Do my actions and words reflect the gospel and its power to transform?
In a famous biblical scene, King Belshazzar and his guests celebrated Babylon’s wealth and power, falsely believing their greatness would last, even as enemies besieged. In arrogant sacrilege, Belshazzar used the Jerusalem Temple’s goblets to toast false gods, mocking Israel’s God. Suddenly, a supernatural hand appeared, writing on the wall: “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Uparsin.” Daniel was called to interpret: “God has numbered your reign, found you wanting, and your kingdom will be divided to the Medes and Persians” (Dan 5:26-28).
I wonder what this passage has to say to “we the people”?
The story concludes abruptly with this historical note: “That very night, Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom at the age of 62” (Dan 5:30).
“Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin condemns any people.” (Prov 14:34)
