Ezekiel 9

I’m sure most people are well aware of the significance of the events currently happening in the United States. I don’t need to go into much detail; I’m sure you’ve been scouring news sites — or doing your best to avoid them. It’s frustrating to see clear examples of corruption and illegal activity that is turned around and either ignored or blamed on an administration that has been dragged through the mud and accussed of behavior the opposition is flagrantly engaged in.

It’s been that way for far, far too long. I will admit I have had to look to examples from the Bible and listen to the wise voices of others to hold on to the knowledge that God will deliver measured justice, right now. The injustice and corruption has run rampant and without restraint. There has been a great deal of victory and a great deal of good, but it is swamped by the noise evil creates.

The prophet Ezekiel was in the middle of a nation mired in gross sin and corruption. The United States is nowhere near this level of overwhelming wrong, but any amount is too much for God to tolerate. In the ninth chapter of Ezekiel, the Lord gives a stern and cold declaration to people who engage in brazen immorality. I believe it is wise to take a breath and read this statement of judgement. It is not the only kind of statement found in the writing of the prophets.

He answered me, “The sin of the people of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great; the land is full of bloodshed and the city is full of injustice. They say, ‘The Lord has forsaken the land; the Lord does not see.’ So I will not look on them with pity or spare them, but I will bring down on their own heads what they have done.” (Ezekiel 9:9–10)

I know there are countless Christians across America who feel deeply saddened and angry about the evil that is happening. It is evil that is dressed up as patriotism or piety. But, you’ve done your job. You used the ability you possess as an American citizen. You’ve prayed and added your prayers to voices calling for revival and righteousness and freedom.

There are victories for freedom and life lighting up across these United States. There are also blots of frustrating evil that violates God’s expectations and outright ignores the voice of the people.

Evil people proudly crow this lie: “The Lord has forsaken the land; the Lord does not see.”

Oh, but He does. He has. He has shown patience and mercy, like He has before, and like He will again.

If you are evil, if you hide your sinful behavior (and yes, that includes breaking the good laws of a free government to benefit your party line), He sees. He sees, and He’s out of pity. What you do will fall on your own head, and, to be honest, I’ll have to try very hard not to throw a party when it happens.

I’ll make it very clear that I am not calling for or hoping for violence. I am absolutely praying that you are shamed so deeply that you crawl back into your mansions and offices to nurse your image for a couple of decades.

The implied part of this passage refers to an earlier moment, where God sends out someone to mark and make note of those who mourn and reject corruption, idolatry, and immorality. He sees you, too. He has heard your prayers. He has seen the godly affection you have poured into your community, your family, your city, and your nation. He will pour out the results of these actions on your head, and it will be better.

Regardless of the outcome of any election, I feel strongly in my spirit that our Father has run out of patience with the evil in America. I feel even stronger that He is overjoyed with the church’s response across the nation. America is God’s country because it is your country. Wherever the people of God are, God is.

He does see. He does see. He does see.

He will repay. He will repay. He will repay.

I’m repeating that over and over as I write this, as I sit here, as I wander out into the kitchen, and even as I glance at updates on my phone. I need to hear it as much as anyone.

Four and a half years of enduring nonsense and celebrating victories. If the devil thinks the seeds of division, mistrust, and immorality he has tried to plant won’t be pulled out of the ground like the weeds they are, he has another thing coming.

Focus on your family. Focus on victories, big and small. Focus on prayer, and trust the Lord. Trust that He is invested in an outcome grander than we old ever imagine.

HE SEES.