Contemplative Look at History, Prophecy, and Our Present Age
Introduction
The world today feels turbulent. As we look at America and the broader global stage, news headlines scream of conflict, division, and uncertainty. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, wondering how we got here and what comes next. In these moments, many people turn to the Bible—not just for comfort, but for understanding. The ancient scriptures often seem to mirror our modern dilemmas, offering warnings and wisdom that feel as relevant as ever.
Scriptural Insights: Ancient Words, Modern Meaning
One passage that comes to mind is Hosea 4:6: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” This isn’t just about book learning; it’s about a deeper understanding—knowing what is right, true, and good. When we lose touch with this kind of knowledge, we lose our way.
Jesus warned in Matthew 24:7, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” These words echo through history and into our present, where wars and tensions seem endless. In 2 Timothy 3:1-4, Paul describes a time when “people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” Many would say this describes the spirit of our age.
The creation story in Genesis reminds us of our original purpose: to be caretakers of the earth and each other, living in harmony with God and nature. Yet, history shows how often we’ve strayed from that calling.
Historical Context: Lessons from the Past
America’s history is filled with moments where actions were justified that, in hindsight, seem to conflict with divine principles. The Conquest of America involved the displacement and suffering of indigenous peoples, often excused by the belief in a God-given right to the land. The Indian Massacres and policies of forced removal are painful reminders of how far humanity can stray when it ignores the command to love our neighbor.
Similarly, the Scramble for Africa saw European powers carving up an entire continent for their own gain, with little regard for the people who lived there. The doctrine of Manifest Destiny in the United States claimed that expansion was both justified and inevitable, supposedly blessed by God. The Monroe Doctrine asserted American influence over the Western Hemisphere, sometimes at the expense of justice and peace.
Each of these moments was shaped by a mix of ambition, fear, and sometimes even faith—but often, the faith was twisted to serve human desires rather than divine command.
Human Justification: Explaining Away Divine Principles
Why do people commit actions that go against what they claim to believe? Often, it’s because we’re experts at rationalizing. We tell ourselves that the ends justify the means, that history is on our side, or that God is somehow endorsing our plans. This isn’t new—Jesus saw the same thing in His own time, as religious leaders found loopholes for their behavior. Today, we still see individuals and nations using faith or ideology to justify violence, greed, and injustice.
This self-focus is exactly what scripture warns against. When our own desires become more important than God’s commands—to love, to be humble, to seek justice—we lose our way.
Scripture and Prophecy: Foretold and Fulfilled
The Bible doesn’t just describe what happened; it often predicts what will happen when humanity turns away from truth. The writers of scripture saw cycles of rebellion and return, of judgment and mercy. When Jesus spoke of “wars and rumors of wars,” He wasn’t just painting a dire picture—He was calling us to wake up and pay attention.
The prophecy about people being “lovers of themselves rather than lovers of God” rings true in a culture that often values self-fulfillment and personal gain above all else. Social media, consumerism, and endless competition can distract us from deeper values. The result is often division—nation against nation, neighbor against neighbor—just as the Bible foretold.
Reflection: What Can We Learn?
Looking back, we see a pattern: ignorance leads to destruction, self-justification leads to injustice, and turning from God’s ways brings suffering. Yet, scripture also offers hope. The call is not just to lament the state of the world, but to seek knowledge, understanding, and a return to what is good and true.
The lessons of history and prophecy invite us to humility. Rather than blaming others or repeating old mistakes, we can choose to learn and change. It starts with small actions—seeking truth, loving our neighbors, and putting the needs of others before our own.
Conclusion: Returning to Foundational Truths
The story of America and the world is still being written. While the challenges are real, so is the possibility for renewal. The scriptures remind us that knowledge, humility, and love are always within reach. If we heed these ancient warnings and embrace their wisdom, we can find our way forward—not just as individuals, but as a community and a nation.
In the end, returning to foundational truths isn’t about nostalgia or fear—it’s about hope. As we face the future, may we seek the knowledge that leads to life, the courage to do what is right, and the faith to believe that, even in troubled times, change is possible.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 