07-04-2021 - I Pledge Allegiance...

Psalm 127:1 ESV

1 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

Proverbs 28:1–16 ESV

1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. 2 When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue. 3 A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food. 4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them. 5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely. 6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. 7 The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father. 8 Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor. 9 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. 10 Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance. 11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out. 12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves. 13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. 14 Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. 15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

The Failure of the Wicked (v. 1)

Result: Always Looking over Your Shoulder...

The Failure of a Nation and its Leaders (vv. 2; 15-16)

Results: Nation that Transgresses - Many Rulers (everyone does that which is right in their own eyes…); Tyrannical and Foolish rulers rise who attack, harass and oppress the people (v. 15-16);

The Failure of Compassion even by those who lack (v. 3)

Result: Hunger....

The Failure of Justice (vv. 4-7; 9-10)

Results: Shameful Youth; ; Heavens become Brass (v. 9); Failure snatched from the Jaws of Victory (v. 10)

The Failure of Generosity Due to Greed (vv. 8, 10-11)

Results: Wasted Wealth (v. 8); People of Integrity inherit what is good and those of lesser means see past the subterfuge of wealth (putting on airs…)

When Paul finally went to Jerusalem to make sure he was acceptable by and preaching the TRUE GOSPEL of Christ, he tells us that those in Jerusalem laid nothing on him, except to urge him to consider the poor… Most of us consider only our own well-being...

NATION in DISTRESS

Psalm 33:10–12 ESV

10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. 11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!

Psalm 33:18–21 ESV

18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, 19 that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.