World War 2 was fought to end Germany’s slaughter of millions in its quest to dominate the world. When the war ended, 7 million Germans had been killed, its cities reduced to rubble. The Allies made every effort to keep that nation from ever rising again. But in 1947, the United States had a change of heart and initiated the Marshall Plan to give Germany $13 billion in economic and technical assistance to rebuild. The mercy shown to Germany illustrates God’s mercy toward ancient Israel. That nation was in exile due to their wickedness and violation of their covenant with God. We read in Psalm 106 that in exile they recounted and confessed their history of failure, and then pleaded, “Save us, O LORD our God! Gather us back from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you.” They based their plea upon God’s covenant with their ancestor Abraham. God ultimately showed mercy and allowed them to go back home. Today, we and our nation have often failed God. God’s mercy to forgive and heal our land of immorality, injustice, racism, and economic ruin depends upon our confession and turning from these sins and surrendering to His Son by faith.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
