The first two chapters of Job are fascinating. Satan visits heaven, and God asks Satan if he has thought about Job (Job 1:6-8). Satan explains to God that because of the “hedge” God had placed around Job; Satan had been unable to harm him (Job 1:9-10). At that time, God lowers the hedge and tells Lucifer “all that he hath is in thy power.” In a matter of minutes, all ten of Job’s children lay dead, and his vast material wealth vanishes through the miraculous, thievery, and natural disaster.

Instead of cursing God, as Satan predicted, Job continues to praise Him. Satan complains to God, saying that even though Job lost all his children and wealth, he still had his health (Job 2:4-5). God then lowers the hedge even further – The Devil can do whatever he wants to Job except kill him (Job 2:6).

The story is clear, Satan did much harm to Job, but the Devil could do nothing without God lowering the “hedge.” God had to allow it; God had to give permission.

God has blessed the United States tremendously over the years. To only name a few — The Revolutionary War saw a group of farmers and merchants defeat the most powerful nation on earth. In the late nineteenth century, American ingenuity and industrial power went into full swing. The harnessing of electricity and the development of mass production turned America into an economic powerhouse. Throughout the twentieth century, the scientific advances made through the development of weaponry, the space race, and an economy run by free enterprise turned America into a superpower. The American farmer does operate the breadbasket of the world, supplying food sent around the globe. The American military that defeated Germany in Europe and Japan in the Pacific is arguably the most influential war machine in the history of the world.

Then came Watergate. Yes, as a nation we had seen our scandals, but this was different. President Nixon resigned, Ford became President and for the first time in history a President leaves office in disgrace and a man who was neither elected Vice President, or President resides in the White House. On the heels of that came the end of Vietnam, a war we should have won. We did not loose, but we did not win either. It was not the soldiers’ fault; many blame the politicians. America had lost some of its luster. Had God lowered the hedge a tiny bit?

9/11, Columbine, Sandy Hook, Las Vegas; the mass killings are so numerous now we cannot remember them all. Sixteen years have gone by since the towers fell, the attack on the Pentagon, and the plane crash in Pennsylvania and our troops are still fighting terrorism.

Just this year with Harvey and Maria we have seen two “unprecedented; once in a lifetime hurricanes.” Forrest fires, drought, blizzards, floods and massive storms and the narrative after these natural disasters is the argument on global warming. In the aftermath of these horrific natural and human-made events does anyone ask, “What is God doing?” It appears, at the very least, God is lowering the hedge.

Let us bring some facts together. If the Bible be true, and I believe it is, then as each day passes we are one day closer to the rapture, the rise of the Antichrist, the Tribulation Period, and the return of Jesus Christ. When it comes to the Antichrist – he will rule over every nation (Revelation 13:7); this includes the United States. For the fulfillment of this Biblical prophecy, the Constitution of our great land will need to be either ignored, no longer in existence or changed beyond recognition.

Consider the words of John Adams, Founding Father and second US President, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

As a whole are we a moral nation anymore? Sex outside of marriage is more than just commonplace; it is the expected norm. The terms “boyfriend” and “girlfriend” have nearly become synonymous with the words, “sex partner.” Things that God calls abominations are considered righteous and beautiful. As a nation, for over forty years on average, we have legally killed over a million babies a year still inside the womb. Anyone speaking out against abortion is considered to hate women.

The moral code of twenty-first century America and the Holy Scriptures are miles apart. Can we claim to be a moral and religious people? If not, are the words of John Adams ringing true? Is our constitution becoming “wholly inadequate” to govern us?

With each natural disaster, we argue global warming. With each mass shooting, we argue gun control. The debate over sexual sins is pretty much over, and society has chosen sin.

Maybe instead of arguing global warming, gun control, or the politically hot topic of the day, we should ask more substantial questions. Has God lowered the hedge? Is God getting ready to allow the Antichrist his seven-year rule over the nations of the earth? Are the events we are witnessing the preparation for the fulfillment of prophecy?

Is anyone looking at the larger picture?

Preacher Johnson is Pastor of Countryside Baptist Church in Parke County Indiana. Email: preacherspoint@gmail.com. Website: www.preacherjohnson.com. Preacher Johnson is available for revivals, prophecy conferences, and other speaking. All Scripture KJV.