It began as a dream…it became a warning.
Is it America’s final call?
America cannot survive another 20 years without a desperate and deliberate move toward God. He is its only hope. But will the nation give up its idols, or continue to give in to them?
Last year I wrote the book, American Idols, based on a dream I had one night. In the dream I was running through a small town yelling “Tear down your idols! Tear down your idols!”
I was like a mad man, as if I were trying to rescue a child from a burning house.
People would yell at me as I ran by, “What makes you think it’s okay for you to run around getting us all upset?”
I’d reply, without slowing down, “First Samuel Three Twelve! First Samuel Three Twelve! Tear down your idols! Tear down your idols!”
On and on I’d run, screaming as loud as I could to as many as I could find, “Tear down your idols!”
Then I awakened.
The first thing I did was grab my bible and look up the scripture reference I was yelling in my dream.
Here it is:
“On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end.” (1 Samuel 3:12 ESV)
It’s the story of young Samuel, as he was staying with Eli the priest. Samuel had gone to sleep but woke to the sound of someone calling his voice, “Samuel, Samuel.” Thinking it was Eli, Samuel went to him and said, “Did you call me?” “No”, was the old man’s reply.
Finally, after three times, Eli recognized it could be the Lord trying to get Samuel’s attention, so he advised Samuel to respond with, “Speak, Lord, for your servant listens”, the next time he heard his name called.
Obediently, Samuel responded to the voice of the Lord. Verse 12 was the first part of the word given to Samuel.
God told Samuel He was going to judge the house of Eli, the priesthood of that day, for several reasons. By judging, God meant He would bring Eli’s authority and influence to an end.
His sons, who shared ministry with their father, were out of control; wicked, lustful, and rebellious men. And Eli didn’t stop them. In fact, he got fat on all the extras his sons would confiscate from the people.
The Lord spoke to my heart and, in essence, told me it’s time for the church, the Body of Christ, to judge themselves, or be judged. Tear down the idols that have replaced true fellowship with Almighty God.
America, like every nation before her, will be judged; but the initial judgment, or correction, must begin with His people.
“For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17 ESV)
I encourage you to get a copy of the book; available in paperback or eBook. American Idols: The Final Call?
Please click on the link “American Idols” for more information.
In my heart, I believe the Lord is trying to get our attention just one more time. May we hear His voice, and respond to His call.
Jan Grace 