Blessed Nations Obey First

The opening words of South Africa's national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika, are a heartfelt prayer that translated means: "Lord, bless Africa. Hear our prayers. Lord, bless us, Your children… Lord, protect our nation. End all wars and suffering." We all desire our countries to enjoy God's blessing and protection – yet Scripture reminds us that blessing is closely tied to obedience. The Lord said: "Obey me and do everything I command you… Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you." (Jeremiah 7:23) One command God repeats throughout the Old Testament concerns how His people treat foreigners: "The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt." (Leviticus 19:33-34) This is rooted in God's own character: "He loves the foreigner, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners." (Deuteronomy 10:18-19) The prophets warned against denying justice to foreigners (Jeremiah 22:3; Malachi 3:5), and Jesus himself said, "I was a stranger and you invited me in" (Matthew 25:35). When we pray for God to bless our nation, may we also pray for hearts of obedience. A nation is truly blessed not only by the prayers it sings, but by being obedient to God’s word. (Nicky B). Open Bible – bit.ly/Jer7v23, bit.ly/Lev19v33-34, bit.ly/Deu10v18-19, bit.ly/Jer22v3, bit.ly/mal3v5, bit.ly/Mat25v35