A Solemn Warning To The Nation

“If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it.” [1]

This preacher is under no illusion that what he says will be heard on Parliament Hill. It is highly unlikely that anyone in the British Columbia Legislature will be aware that I have delivered a message bearing the title, “A Solemn Warning to the Nation.” I doubt that any congressional representative or senator serving in the hallowed precincts within the District of Columbia is aware that I exist. Thus, I cannot anticipate that such august individuals will ever hear any message I may present. Nevertheless, I could wish that policy makers in my natal country, as well as those who govern in my adopted country, would hear what I will say this day. However, I am content to know that you who are seated here this day, and that those who hear my words delivered via television and radio, will hear what I have to say. Perhaps some will echo what is said so that others will hear and take heed, turning from evil and embracing righteousness.

While warning Israel, God reveals a broader perspective on His relationship with nations. Assuredly, the Lord could have been speaking to Canada when these words were given to the prophet. He might as easily have been speaking to the United States. To be certain, Canada must take to heart the thoughts conveyed in this message, as must the United States if they hope to continue enjoying God’s divine blessing.

Nor should any nation boast in military might, let alone boasting in economic might. The Psalmist warns,

“The king is not saved by his great army;

a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.

The war horse is a false hope for salvation,

and by its great might it cannot rescue.”

[PSALM 33:16-17]

And the Wise Man observes,

“The horse is made ready for the day of battle,

but the victory belongs to the LORD.”

[PROVERBS 21:31]

Military strength absent dependence on the Living God is a vain hope, a fool’s fantasy that can lead only to defeat and destruction.

Which nation was the reigning world power when God gave His warning through Jeremiah? Perceptive students of the Word will know that the reigning world power at that time was Babylon! No other nation could resist their might at the time Jeremiah wrote the prophecy that bears his name. Looking back over the sweep of history and the empires that seceded Babylon, we witness the Persian Empire, followed by the Greek coalition, succeeded in turn by the Roman Empire. Then, in time we witnessed the French Empire, succeeded by the Austrian Empire, succeeded by the British Empire. The power of the contemporary Persians was demonstrated when American B-2 bombers delivered munitions with stunning precision that destroyed their efforts to develop nuclear weapons. The Roman Empire faded into the distant millennia. Waterloo was the high-water mark of the French Empire. The glory of the British Empire is long past. And the might of the American Empire is always under threat, and one day shall be displaced by another power hungry for dominance. Indeed, we who worship the True and Living God must never forget,

“The king is not saved by his great army;

a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.

The war horse is a false hope for salvation,

and by its great might it cannot rescue.”

[PSALM 33:16-17]

“If at any time…” declares the LORD through His Prophet. The words are a solemn reminder that the blessings of peace and prosperity that a nation enjoys may be withdrawn in a moment. And without question, Canada has long enjoyed divine blessings that include peace and prosperity! But those blessings are in jeopardy today. The words that open the text serve to remind anyone who looks even casually at the history of nations, that disaster and ruin can be unleashed on a nation suddenly, unexpectedly, when the nation least expects such reversal of fortune. God owes Canada nothing; and if He should withdraw His mercy, what could we do about that? Any nation, and that assuredly includes Canada, is but a breath away from ruin. All that keeps any nation from disaster is the grace of God.

REPENTANCE BRINGS DIVINE MERCY — “If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it” [JEREMIAH 18:7-8]. Our God is gracious; He reveals His compassion toward the penitent soul. More germane to the message, the Lord reveals His compassion toward the nation that turns from national wickedness.