Best Provider - Government or God?

     Many think of God as the sovereign God of the universe and the Savior of the soul, but seldom think of Him being involved in economic issues.  Very little is said about God as being the answer to the economic woes presently being experienced by this great nation, and in fact around the world.

     The Bible, however, isn’t silent on the issue but does in fact say much about both the macro and micro economic benefits of looking to God for solutions.  When God chose Israel to be the model nation of the world, He listed in great detail the economic benefits He would provide, but with certain stipulations.

     “Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the LORD your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess.”  Deuteronomy 6:1

     Recall that Paul in the New Testament stated that what happened to Israel as a nation was to serve as examples for this present age.

      Many do in fact compare Israel’s gifted land to America breaking their ties with Britain and traveling west for a new beginning; however, America will never achieve the status of Israel.  America’s role is to support Israel and help her live up to and fulfill God’s expectations for her.

     “So it shall be, when the LORD your God brings you into the land of which He swore to our fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant…”  Deuteronomy 6:10-11

     The above passage contains several significant points.  The immutable promise was for Abraham’s offspring through Isaac and Jacob.  God would give riches to Israel for which they did not labor.  There are some who believe that President Obama recently applied these verses out of context in a campaign speech in reference to small business owners.  The president’s application was out of context because he substituted government for God as the provider.

     Then the Bible continues to list more of what God would provide for Israel.

     “For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey; a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity; in which you will lack nothing…”  Deuteronomy 8:6-9a

     The land would provide food ‘without scarcity’ so Israel wouldn’t need to depend on any other nation for its sustenance.  But that’s not all.

     “…a land in whose stones are iron and out of whose hills you can dig copper.”  Deuteronomy 8:9b

     The land would also provide natural resources to be mined and used for other needs without, once again, depending on others.

     Well, so far so good, God would provide for Israel’s needs, but how about the ability to prosper over and above the necessities?

     “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth…”  Deuteronomy 8:18

     The present administration believes that everyone should share equally in a nation’s wealth.  However, Solomon was given extraordinary wealth by God, and on the other hand:

     “For you have the poor with you always…”  Matthew 26:11

     Thus the scriptures reveal that God deals with individuals as well as nations and is intimately involved in each individual’s role in the total picture.

     And lastly, what stipulations does God place on a nation in order to receive His bountiful provisions?

     “Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments…then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’”  Deuteronomy 9:11, 17

     If the Bible is true, and if in fact America is a Christian nation, why aren’t these great truths part of the political rhetoric during this election season?

      We’re missing a grand opportunity.