WEEKLY NEWSPAPER ARTICLE:

CAN THE NATIONS BE HEALED?
BT PAT GULLEY

Rev 22:2
In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (KJV)

I have been very blessed to be have been taught by Teachers of the Bible that it is imperative for me to pray for the nations and for their leaders. I was surprised at this teaching until I read that it originally comes from the Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy. (1 Tim 2:1-4) The leaders of the Jewish religion persecuted Paul, and he was also under attack by some of the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ. He was called to the mission field when Rome had rule over most of the nations and the Caesar at the time was Augustus.

The Roman government was extremely corrupt and its days as a world power were coming to a close. Yet we hear the Apostle tell young Timothy that he wants him to pray, intercede, and give thanks for all human beings, including Kings, Presidents, and Caesars. It is important that we Christians know that our enemy is not the governments of the nations. I recognize that all governments are comprised of human beings and it may be possible for any or all of those men and women to repent and to be born again through faith in Jesus Christ. I am also aware that Satan is the god of this world.

(2Cor 4:4)In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (KJV)

If it was important for the Disciple Timothy to pray for the leaders of the nations during his time, then it is important for us to pray for the leaders of the nations in our times. Every generation of believers is responsible to fulfill the will of God in their time on earth. We are the Church of the Present Day but we are not the only members of the Church. There are many who have gone on to their reward and they are waiting patiently for the will and plan of God to come to a close. We may be that generation that hears the sound of the last trumpet.

I believe that we have an opportunity to see mighty signs and wonders done during our lifetime. I believe that the Berlin Wall fell so that those in Eastern Europe could hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe that the people of Russia have a hunger and a thirst after righteousness that can only be satisfied through their receiving Jesus as their Lord.

I have noticed that nations that were Christian in times past are now very agnostic. I also notice that those nations that were enemies of the Lord Jesus Christ now welcome His message and His messengers. I am referring to South Africa and Uganda. (I may be wrong about Uganda but there is one nation in Africa that has a Christian President.)

The Tree of Life has the leaves that are to be for the healing of the nations. That has to mean that these leaves are for our generation and for our time as there will be no sickness or corruption or perversion in Heaven. The fruit of the Tree of Life that produces its fruit every month is very important but let us not forget to pray for the nations that these nations may be healed and that we may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. MAY GOD BLESS ALL THE NATIONS. AMEN