BETWEEN AMERICA'S ROCK AND HARD PLACE

by CHARLES ROBEY
(MOODY AL USA)

PROLOGUE

Regardless of the progressive socialistic thinking of today’s culture, Christianity, the Bible and America’s founding documents go hand and hand. One need only study scripture, in light of America’s renowned professional political opinions, to bring the Scripture into focus. (2Timothy 3:16)

Just a few supportive personal reflections of yesterday and today.

“It’s impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible”, George Washington.

“It is my constant anxiety and prayer both myself and this nation be on the Lord side.”, Abraham Lincoln.

“The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth-that God governs in the affairs of Men. Without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political Building no longer than the builder of Babel.”, Benjamin Franklin.

“The Bible is the one supreme source of revelation of the meaning of life, the nature of God and spiritual nature and needs of man. It is the only guide of life which really leads the spirit in the way of peace and salvation America was born a Christian nation. America was born to exemplify to the elements of righteousness which are derived from the revelations of Holy Scripture”, President Woodrow Wilson.

“I have always believed that this anointed land was set apart in an uncommon way, that a divine plan placed this great continent here between the oceans to be found by people from every corner of the earth who had a special love of faith and freedom”, President Ronald Reagan.

Yes, America was, is, and will always be under God. It was President Calvin Coolidge, who said, “The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.”

So, thank, you, President Eisenhower, for adding the phrase “Under God´ to the Pledge of Allegiance.

And if additional proof is necessary, one need only read such America’s founding documents as the “Declaration of Independence”, the “” Constitution”, and the Mayflower Compact.”

Please allow me to close out this rather lengthy preamble by quoting Herman A, Hoyt. “In these days of crisis our trust should not rest in a nation that may shortly disappear, but in Him who works all things after the council of His own will.

So, I trust you will enjoy this yet another fiction parable, an earthly story having a heavenly meaning. Shall we label it “Between America’s. Rock and a Hard Place”

“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end—Because I am God, “

(Paraphrased from Isaiah Chapter 43)

It’s been a grueling week for me at the Bible College. Is it about time, for this old, tired Bible professor to pull the pen?

Well, anyway, my prayer is answered, I made it through the week. I plan to do absolutely nothing but rest. Pulling in the garage, my intention was simply nothing. I’ll simply just rest a spell, in my old man cave before supper.

That’s when it happened. Another of my weird dreams or vision. Having been burn out with life, having become skeptic serving as the Chief Professor of Early Christion history, over many decades. I had become immune to these passing dreams of visions until now. This one I just couldn’t shake from memory.

It was an event liken none other vision or dream before. I was standing in the midst of a big field. An isolated field in the middle of nowhere, having no boundaries, its landmarks having no end. The entire land mass was covered over by rocks, to many to mention or count. A warm wind was sweeping across the rocky plain. I laid down my backpack on the ground by the rocks to catch my breath.

“How did I get here, and what’s the purpose of it all?”, I wondered. Nonetheless, what I was hearing made me forget my weariness.

As if by some divine action, the entire scene came alive. A young medieval chamberlain popped out from under a big rock. As he started singing America’s National Anthem, several other young ones popped out around him, joined in his concert.

By the time of the singing conclusion, many more younger castles valet de chamber youths, to many to count, had appeared from under the rocks. With hands over hearts, they all joined in reciting America’s Pledge of Alliance

Out from under the biggest rock, in the center of the field, came the leader. He too was dressed as some sort of castle dignitary. Holding a big holy Bible in one hand and America’s Constitution in the other. Foresting attention from the entire visitable congregation, He began to speak. His remarks were instantly easy interposed.

His dictation was very clear. It was all about the spiritual combination of Christianity (Acts 2:41-47) and Patriotism. (Romans 13:1-7). He then continued giving a detailed explanation and predictions of the two.

“It’s not a denomination, nor a particular religious faction, but the church, God’s church. The church of the New Testament, along with America’s Constitution authority, was about to be reborn, to be revived, throughout all the land.”

“No one, no entity, no government, nor politics would stand in the way of divine providence. For it would be a revival of both Christianity and Patriotism, liken as never seen before”, he exclaimed.

That got me to thinking, like never before. “Was it true, would it be true?” And just how could this medieval character, from centuries gone by, have an idea such as this?” Especially in America’s progressive, socialistic culture”, I wondered.

He must have overheard my wonderings. For he quickly opened this Bible and began reading.

“He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.” (Daniel 2:21-22)

Wow, I just have to meet this medieval character. So, I quickly started my walk. It was no use, however. As I got close to him, he suddenly ran back under the big rock.

It wouldn’t have mattered, nonetheless. My dream had suddenly closed off. I was back home, down in my man cave just sitting there in my old worn-out duck taped rocker.

Looking over on the table was another unsolved mystery. It happened to be Mom’s old study Bible. It was laying open to the highlighted conclusion of the same biblical passage the man had read to me. For when Mom had left for Glory land, her old Bible too suddenly disappeared, without a trace.

“I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.” (Daniel 2:23)

What did I do then? You guessed it. While on my knees, grabbing the phone, I made that all important dreaded phone call. “Pastor, pastor, please pick up. For we need to talk. I’m ready to tune into your faith-based patriotic sermon idea.”

EPILOGUE

So, there you have it. Did I ever go back and finish the dream? No. I knew if I did, it wouldn’t be the same. What about playing its completion within my mind? I have no idea. Somehow maybe in receiving a revelation or giving one out, I would fine release. For the dream just wasn’t for others, it was directed personal to me.

Wasn’t it President Franklin Roosevelt who said, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”. So, what must we fear?

According to Present Herbert Hoover, “Our greatest danger is not from invasion by foreign armies. Our dangers are that we may commit suicide from within by complaisance with evil.

According to Dr. David Jeremiah’s best seller The Book of Signs, “Today our heritage of freedom is being challenged internally by the erosion of our culture. As long -held freedoms come under fire, some Americans, especially those with wealth, are deciding that the United States is no longer the best place to live. Sadly, if our culture continues to jettison the principles that made our nation great, we can hardly expect the blessings of almighty God to continue. So, we must pray, and pray hard for our great Republic of America. Amen!