When the Potter Speaks Over a Nation

If I announce that a certain nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, but then that nation renounces its evil ways, I will not destroy it as I had planned. And if I announce that I will plant and build up a certain nation or kingdom, but then that nation turns to evil and refuses to obey me, I will not bless it as I said I would.

Jeremiah 18:7-10, New Living Translation

That sits heavy with me. God is still at the wheel. He can reshape a people. If they turn, He can change what He said He would do. If they dig in, He can hold back the good He had spoken.

That isn't old history. That's God dealing with nations. Including this one.

I keep thinking about that fig tree in Mark. Jesus is hungry. He sees a tree covered in leaves. From down the road it looks fine. He gets up close and there's nothing to eat. He says a word. The tree withers.

Then He walks into the temple. People buying. People selling. Money changing hands. Busy. Loud. The place that was supposed to be for prayer had turned into a business.

Leaves. No fruit. A lot of motion. Not much life.

The temple looked spiritual. It was full of religious work. It was empty.

John the Baptist said it plain. I baptize you with water. The One coming after me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Not another program. Not more leaves. Something that changes a person from the inside.

That's what happened at Pentecost. They were together. Waiting. A sound like a strong wind filled the house. Something like fire sat on each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus had told them it would happen. Then it did.

It didn't stop that morning. The Spirit kept coming on people who believed.

America needs people like that right now. Not a loud show. Not more activity that looks good from down the road. We need people who will get quiet before God and say, We're wrong. Shape us again. Have mercy on this country.

We're not the point. God is. Jesus is.

Without Him we're a tree full of leaves. A building full of noise.

The same God who spoke through Jeremiah is still speaking. The same Jesus who looked for fruit on that tree is still looking.

He's still at the wheel.

Dear God in heaven,

First I'd like to repent for my own deeds. I'm guilty of being that prideful Christian. I can be judgmental. Your word says we should not judge one another, and I repent of judging people for petty stupid things. I hate when I do that. I have to keep drawing near to You. Thank You for the grace and the divine strength. You change my heart. I can't do it on my own.

From that place, I pray Your people would come in humility and repentance, and that this country could be turned. Pour out Your grace on this nation.

In the name of Jesus, breathe life into the living church, into those who seek after You. Cause a revival like we've never seen. Open the doors for unity. Not a big church building. Small local congregations that are accountable to each other, that share the faith they have, and that look after one another.

Bless the church. We don't want a crowd. We want a place where people can gather in the simplicity of faith.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.