He makes nations great, and he destroys them; He enlarges nations, and leads them away. (Job 12:23 ESV)
Nationalism and Faith
I used to brag about my Fork-Lift Driving License. I had completed a course and had received a plastic card that entitled me to drive fork-lifts. AND I felt that few others also had such an amazing license. Surprisingly, I eventually realized that no one else really cared about the Grand Association of Fork-Lift Operators.
It was not as important as I had thought.
Nations are also not as important as we think.
Our identity is often tied up in our nation, country, or homeland. Our Nation defines who we are, what we do, and what we think is important. We are Americans, or Australians, or British, or Dutch. And the potential loss of that part of our identity feels devastatingly terrifying.
But Job understands something that we do not.
As useful, beautiful, and strong as our Nation might be, Nations pale to insignificance in the face, light, and presence of our Lord. He moves them like pawns. He raises them and destroys them according to His Will. Nations, in God’s eyes are trivial.
Because HIS Kingdom is powerful. Because HIS Kingdom is eternal. Because HIS Kingdom is what matters. Because HIS Kingdom is His.
When the Nation you depend on is faltering, remember that your citizenship is in a stronger Kingdom. (Philippians 3:20) When the Nation you love is changing, remember that your citizenship is in an unchanging Kingdom. (Luke 1:33) When the Nation you are loyal to is traitorous to your ideals, remember that your citizenship is in a Kingdom that God has created. (I Peter 2:9)
Your citizenship is in a Kingdom based on faith. The faith that God has given you like a plastic membership card in His Kingdom.
And THIS Kingdom matters.
Take the faith God grants us.