As the fireworks begin to sound off and light up the night on the anniversary of our God-given national independence, know that the rockets’ red glare and the bombs bursting in air are reminding us that our flag is still there, for now; but also they are warning that what the flag stands for is fast becoming an indistinguishable remnant of a red, white, and blue piece of cloth. Truth, humility, and righteousness have been driven to the trenches by deceit, pride, and other forms of evil. The lives given by the founders of our country so that we and others might have freedom have been traded for apathy and complacency. The hardships they endured for us have been repaid with negligence in maintaining the liberty they gained by God’s grace. The gift of freedom that the God of creation handed to us through those that established the United States of America has been squandered by our selfishness and laziness.
The colonists knew that they were out of their league in their vie for freedom from British oppression, but being on the side of righteousness, they depended on the One who brings down one and exalts another. Likewise, we can know that if we ready ourselves to take back the heritage that we have allowed to be taken, that which is held captive by those who would destroy our heritage, we too can depend on the One who lifts up. We can end our days knowing that although for a time we may have relaxed and fell asleep at our posts, we have awakened with renewed vigor and faith in the faithful One, and have done what we can to set things aright.
May the fuses that are lit on Independence Day be the ones that ignite in us an explosion of resolve to honor God and those who paved the way for us to attain to such a level of comfort. As the darkness flees the brilliance of each blast, may our self-destructive tendencies give way to self-sacrifice for those who depend on us for their future. As the report from each detonation alerts our senses, may we be stirred to action in the cause of justice.
For a study on the Christian response to an oppressive government, click here:
Speak Your Mind