Son, have you seen how fickle your country has become? They are proud that they worship other gods, but this has only polluted their land and made them weak and vulnerable to their enemies. They have chosen crooked paths and have forgotten Me. Everything I blessed them with has been squandered. They have become stupid children who have no understanding. They are clever enough at doing wrong, but they have no idea how to do what is right! Therefore, the earth will mourn and the heavens will be draped in black because of My decree. I have made up my mind and will not change it.
Tell these faithless people to come back to Me, for I am merciful. I will not be angry with them forever if they acknowledge their guilt; that they have rebelled against Me and committed adultery by worshiping false gods. If they confess that they have refused to listen to My voice, I will give them shepherds after My own heart to guide them with knowledge and understanding, so that the disobedient are turned to the wisdom of the righteous. I would love to treat them as My own children! I want nothing more than to give them back their beautiful land, the finest possession in the world. Then they would be a blessing to all the nations of the world, and people would come and praise My name for it. I long for them to call Me “Father.” It is My desire that they never to turn from Me again. So pray and confess, plow up the hard ground of your hearts. Surrender your pride as a nation before the waves of destruction come!
Son, when the godly are in authority the people will rejoice. But when the wicked are in power the people groan, and sin flourishes. People do not accept My guidance because they would rather run wild.They see themselves as pure but they are filthy and unwashed. Therefore, although they have sight they are blind. They have ears to hear, but they do not understand what is lacking in them. They look at others proudly, casting disdainful glances at those who truthfully say that what they do – is wrong and destructive. They compare themselves with each other, using their own wickedness as the standard of measurement. How ignorant! The wicked despise the godly, but keep godliness before them as a sign reminding them of who I am and that wickedness will not prevail where I have My presence
Lord, because I meet with You and speak with You each day that place is holy by Your glorious presence. It is a high place with You; one that burns with passion – well guarded. I must speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, that are being crushed by the oppression of wicked leaders. You have repeatedly told me that You will provide all I need, and that I will always have plenty left over to share with others. I must use Your mighty weapons to knock down their strongholds of human reasoning so that Your wisdom is proved right by my actions. Then their false arguments will fall to the ground having no power. Every word of Yours is true. You are a shield to all who come to You for understanding and protection. For whoever obeys You will be joyful, and by trusting in You there is safety.