A Message to America

A Message to America

Read: Obadiah 1:1–14 (ESV)

Introduction

This is a message to “America”—land of the free, home of the brave, and, I still believe, the greatest country on earth. I love this country. I’ve traveled all over the world, and nothing compares to the opportunities, freedoms, and diversity we enjoy here. But as proud as I am of America, I have to say that the prophet Obadiah still has something to teach us today.

This isn’t about hating our country or ignoring what makes us special, but about humbling ourselves before God—and recognizing an important truth: there’s no such thing as guaranteed “National Security” apart from God’s will. After 9/11, we realized that no nation is untouchable, no matter how strong its military or how advanced its technology.

Obadiah’s message to the ancient nation of Edom resonates:

"The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock… Who will bring me down to the ground?" …From there I will bring you down, declares the Lord.

— Obadiah 1:3–4, ESV

No matter how high we build, God has the final say.

Lesson One: Real Security Is Found in Humility

Throughout history, empires have risen and fallen—because of pride and, more often, because they believed they were invincible. That warning is for us, too.

As Proverbs says:

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."

— Proverbs 14:34, ESV

Our greatest danger isn’t always “out there”—sometimes it can be our pride, indifference, or injustice. God is clear: all nations are accountable to Him.

Lesson Two: Being a Good Neighbor Means More Than Standing By

Obadiah accuses Edom of standing by while their brothers in Israel suffered. He says:

"On the day that you stood aloof … you were like one of them."

— Obadiah 1:11, ESV

But here’s the thing: being a “good neighbor” doesn’t mean hiding behind our borders or watching evil triumph elsewhere.

Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) not only to make us feel bad for ignoring suffering but also to call us to act when someone is in need—even at personal cost. The real hero of the parable didn’t just feel sorry; he stopped, helped, and got his hands dirty. He risked his own safety, spent his own money, and ensured the wounded man survived.

Sometimes, being a good neighbor means stepping up, crossing dangerous lines, and taking action—even when it’s risky. That applies to countries as well. There are times when evil crosses a line, and the right—godly—thing is to intervene, defend the defenseless, and protect those who cannot protect themselves. Neutrality can become complicity.

If we see wrong—whether it’s genocide, oppression, or aggression—we are called to act, not hide.

Empowering Others to Stand Up for Themselves

Yet another dimension of helping our neighbors we must not overlook: sometimes the greatest assistance we can offer is to empower others to stand up for themselves against tyranny and injustice. True neighborliness may mean encouraging, equipping, and supporting those who are oppressed so they can become the agents of their own liberation.

The best help is not always direct intervention or rescue, but sometimes inspiration and partnership—standing with those seeking their own freedom and supporting their courage to resist oppression. For example, during the long struggle against apartheid in South Africa, international support mattered, but the tide truly turned when the people themselves rose up, inspired and strengthened by encouragement and backing from others.

By helping others find their voice, build their resilience, and claim their God-given dignity, we show respect for their humanity and foster lasting change. As the American civil rights movement demonstrated, outside support was invaluable, but the core strength came from those willing to stand up for their own rights.

America, therefore, is called not only to intervene when necessary but also to inspire and empower. Sometimes loving our neighbor means letting them lead their own fight while we walk alongside as advocates, friends, and supporters.

No Double Standards—Not Here, Not Abroad

We can’t pick and choose when we want to be the world’s friend. The Good Samaritan story doesn’t let us off the hook when helping is hard or when the person is different. As a nation, it’s not enough to enjoy our prosperity while turning a blind eye to suffering elsewhere.

Sometimes loving our neighbors means offering refuge or dignity—other times, it means using whatever strength we have to protect, defend, and liberate the oppressed.

But often, it means encouraging the oppressed to rise up and claim their freedom, assuring them that we will stand with them in their struggle. At its best, America has done this—fighting for freedom in World War II, standing up for human rights alongside those demanding change in Eastern Europe, and offering hope where darkness reigns.

No Security without God, No Strength without Justice

None of this means throwing caution to the wind or acting without wisdom. It means recognizing that our strength comes from God and that our security is rooted in doing what’s right by His standards—not merely what’s easy or popular.

Jesus said in Matthew:

"Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

— Matthew 25:40, ESV

That’s for each of us, and it’s for our nation, too.

America, Come Clean—And Stand Up

Let’s examine ourselves—not just our failings at home, but also how we act on the world stage. Let’s confess the times we’ve stood by when we should have stood up, and pray for the wisdom and courage to get it right in the future.

Let’s also ask God to help us discern when our neighbors need rescuing—and when they need empowerment. May we have the humility to recognize the difference, the courage to act, and the wisdom to walk alongside all who seek justice and freedom.

When we do, we can sing these words from the Battle Hymn of the Republic with all our hearts.

“Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord,

He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;

He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword,

His truth is marching on…”

Come clean, America—and stand up. For justice, for righteousness, for all God’s children. That’s how “His truth marches on.”

References:

Obadiah 1:1–14, ESV

Proverbs 14:34, ESV

Luke 10:25–37, ESV

Matthew 25:31–46, ESV