'A Nation Bringing Forth the Fruits Thereof'

A man is just to read the Scriptures, and wonder.

So, today, I am reading along and come to Matthew 21:43, where the Savior is speaking. "The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof," says our Lord. Which nation would the kingdom be taken from, then? Was it not from the Jews? I could be wrong, but so it seems to me.

So, which nation was the kingdom to be given to? Look at the nations of the world since Christ's time, and look for a nation that qualifies. We are given but this to go by: that it will be "a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof."

I know not all the nations since Christ's time that we could put on a listing of "good" nations. But, I do believe the United States would be among them. I also think of how this land has symbolized itself as a Christian nation, with "In God We Trust," being printed on our coinage, and the words, "In this be our motto: In God is our trust," being in the national anthem, and, "one nation under God," being in the Pledge of Allegiance.

You can argue whether such things should be there, but they are. Few nations have so visibly attached themselves to God. If a "Christian nation" has ever existed since the time of Christ, outwardly, it does seem it would be the nation we call America.

But, what of inwardly? What of Christ's words, that it would be a nation bringing forth good fruits? One could argue whether the United States fits. But some would say no nation has ever been more of a do-gooder than the United States. 

I do not know whether Christ was referring to the United States, for it is not for me (not being a church leader) to know, definitively. But, as a simple person, I  wonder. And, it does seem to me He might have been referring to America. 

Do we leave it at that? Or do we wonder if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is this kingdom of God Christ spoke of? The church was brought forth in America, which is the place we are speaking of. It's members (myself included) believe it is God's kingdom. The church teaches that one of the meanings of "Zion" is America. It teaches that some of the gathering of Israel was to take place in America.

No, I do not think it wrong to wonder but what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints being in America might be what the Savior was referring to.