Jeremiah 51:5 For Israel and Judah have not been forsaken
by their God, the LORD Almighty,
though their land is full of guilt
before the Holy One of Israel.

I can only pray that this verse will prove to be true of America. The line about the land being “filled with the sin of rebellion against the Holy One of Israel” (which is how the Japanese puts it) is certainly applicable. At this point I see many parallels, not with Israel but with Babylon. Taken that way, the instructions to “flee from Babylon,” expressed in the very next verse, apply not in terms of physical location but of participation in the sins of Babylon. Right now America is the world’s chief pornographer, and sadly, many Christians are snared by that. Television is hardly better, and the addicted are beyond counting. Individuals and whole churches have forgotten that the One they say they worship is the Holy One of Israel. Any true Christian who finds himself in such a church needs to find one that doesn’t fit that description! Even more importantly, they need to examine their own lives to see how they have compromised with “Babylonian” values. As we are told very clearly, God cannot be mocked. (Galatians 6:7) Many Christians and churches today are so taken with the love of God that they forget that He is holy, and they are called to be likewise. (1 Peter 1:15-16)

This is something I have been slow to really walk in. All along the way I have looked down on those I saw as less holy than I thought I was, while excusing the filth that I enjoyed. The only answer to that is repentance! Going back to the original passage, I am normally not physically located in America, and this visit is certainly confirming to me that the land is “filled with the sin of rebellion against the Holy One of Israel.” However, I am also encountering Christians who are waking up to the state of things, and that is encouraging. Far more waking up needs to happen, and I pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that will make the “Great Awakening” that happened just before the American Revolution pale in comparison. I need to remember my own path and not look down on anyone, but rather pray like Daniel, including myself in intercession for the nation.

Father, thank You for all You have done throughout this trip, and for what You will do in the days that are left. Thank You for the encouraging things I have seen. Even my wife was surprised to find how many ministers she has among her relatives! I do pray that Your children would repent, believe, and rise up as a mighty army, coming out of the Babylonian system to walk in holiness and victory, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!