The Fourth Mark of Judgment on America: “Drought”

At the dedication of the temple, Solomon prayed for God’s intervention in seven probable national needs. Every time, he besought God’s commitment to ‘hear from heaven and forgive their sin’- if the people would repent.  In II Chronicles 6: 26-27, King Solomon prayed, “When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against You, when they pray … and confess Your name, and turn from their sin … then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of …Your people Israel…and send rain on Your land which You have given to Your people as an inheritance.” 

Recent years of record-setting drought in our nation are now causing shorter supplies and higher prices for food. Because of the widespread drought in the central section of the United States, thousands of cattle were slaughtered, causing the price of meat to skyrocket by 40% or more. Due to the drought in California’s fertile farm lands and unjust government regulations that cut off irrigation, over a half million prime agriculture acres are sitting idle—and may for the balance of our lifetimes—according the USDA.

Have you heard anyone—including most preachers—say that drought is an act of God’s mercy to get our attention? The Scripture clearly teaches that God has exclusive control of the weather—especially rain. Some would say that Solomon’s interaction with God on behalf of Israel is unique and inapplicable to today. Yet, these biblical principles and God’s warnings and promises apply to His people in all ages.

It is no surprise that the post-modern culture of our day denies Creation and God’s control over His creation and invents such ideas as global warming or climate change to silence the warning voice of God. God and His warnings through His Word and through nature cannot be ignored without inviting increasing judgment.  God answers Solomon in II Chronicles 7:13, starting with these words, “If I shut up heaven that there be no rain….”  Drought is another sign of God’s warning of judgment against nations that reject Him.

Will we hear and listen?

The remaining three signs of God’s judgment are even more severe. Only the repentance of God’s people can stay the powerful hand of His judgment.

This is the fifth in an eight-part series, “Can We Know if God’s Judgment is on America? – The Background to Understanding God’s Promise in II Chronicles 7:14”.