Obadiah 1:15 (NIV): “The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.”
Growing up with my parents in Texas I learned early on that I was responsible for my actions. My actions had consequences. Sometimes my actions were reinforced with praise and sometimes with a spank. I didn’t get spanks all that much but I learned that I wanted praise more than punishment.
My parents took seriously their responsibly to train me up right. They also modeled how to follow Jesus and the need for forgiveness. I am so thankful to God for my parents. For our society as a whole, government is involved in taking on the role that parents have with their children.
The two primary purposes of civil government is to punish evildoers and to promote good (1 Peter 2:13-14). There is also a theme in the Bible that God Himself will be involved in punishing evil. In the parable of the tenants (Matthew 21:33-41) it is implied that God will bring evildoers to “a wretched end.”
As I ponder the fact that evildoers are rampant in our nation—some are police officers and some are looters and rioters—it brings me peace to know that justice will triumph over injustice. Our nation is less than perfect, but according to Obadiah, the “day of the Lord is near for all nations,” certainly including the United States of America and its citizens. Our deeds will return to our own heads.
I know that I deserve death and hell for my deeds. That is why the news of Jesus is so critical. The way to God for all people—including police officers, looters, rioters, and you and me—is through the love and forgiveness found in Jesus as a result of Him taking on our punishment.
Prayer: Dear God, may I be your agent of love and forgiveness by sharing the good news of Jesus with all people, including those who do evil. May I trust you with our nation, knowing that my “home” is an eternal one that You are preparing for me.