Devotion, Jan. 12, 2021, Judgment

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the Gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17).

The house of God is the church. God warns us that divine judgment will fall on the unfaithful church. It is not a judgment of final condemnation. Christians, even unfaithful ones who believe in Jesus, will be saved. It is a warning that while unfaithfulness does not cancel salvation for believers, it does invite divine judgment. As we look at what is happening in our country today, I wonder if judgment is falling on the church. I am not a prophet, so I can’t speak with authority, but I wonder how much responsibility the church bears for the spiritual decline in our country.

The second half of our verse refers to those who reject the Gospel. If God brings punishment to His unfaithful people, what will He do to those who reject Him? It seems clear that our country is moving farther away from our spiritual/Christian heritage. Is America ripe for judgment? Again, I can’t speak with authority, but I do wonder.

All we can do as a church and as individual Christians is reaffirm our faith in Jesus and work and pray for God’s will to be done in our nation.  If we are headed for a time of national judgment, I am confident that God will watch over His faithful people. The bottom line from our verse is this: be prepared for anything!

Father, I am concerned about events happening in our country. I pray that Your church will strive for greater faithfulness. We want to be light in a world increasing in darkness. We pray in Jesus name, Amen.