Independence Day

“For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day?” Deuteronomy 4:7-8

As we near the celebration of America’s Independence Day I can’t help but reflect on the fact that our nation was born singing praise to God! From the very first pilgrim’s footprint on the soil where Jamestown was to be built in 1609 to the first annual fireworks displays of July 4^th 1776, America has always looked to the light of God to guide her through history’s dark winding road.

Its utter foolishness to believe that our nation, let alone the world, was not forged, created by the hands of an omnipotent, loving God. All one has to do is glance at the design that naturally exists in nature and the evidence points to an Omniscient Creator.

Many of our founding fathers have pondered this great statement of Moses in the book of Deuteronomy. They have no doubt woven these very threads into our nation’s political and social fabric. Politicians and Presidents while campaigning have inserted the strong foundation of the Ten Commandments into one of their speeches as they addressed our fledgling nation. But while many would agree that our present day law system was build on the Ten Commandments, there are  many others who would disagree and are committed to building up walls of separation between our relationship with a holy God and civil government.

Keep in mind as the fourth of July rolls around that our independence was not only fought upon the hollow sod at Concord but is still being fought in courtrooms and ballot boxes across this great country of ours! The first pilgrims left England to build a future where their government would not be able to restrict their worship of God. God’s providence was guiding them to build a “City on set on a Hill” providing light to all who would have the courage to look and then take a step towards freedom.

The next verse that Moses records illustrates his concerns for the nation of Israel as they get ready to cross the Jordan River and enter into their Promised Land. “Only take heed to yourselves, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life” Deuteronomy 4:9.

We must never forget about God and all that He has accomplished for us. We must always put our relationship with Him first. Jesus said it best “I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. It is so important to put God at the center of our daily lives and to consider how He has always provided for us. We are kids of the King, a chosen generation and a kingdom of priests set apart for the Master’s use.

But unfortunately, it’s not in our nature to put God first or to trust in a way that we can not see.  We tend to fall away from God’s refuge rather walking on our own path blazed through the hills and valleys of our own lives that always leads to pain, suffering and destruction.

From our very beginnings in a garden east of Eden we chose to disobey God and follow after the lusts of our own heart. God however made a better way and set into motion His perfect plan to protect all who would chose to believe in Him.  His perfect plan focused on the sacrifice of His own Son, Jesus, who took away the curse of sin and death.

Soon many children will be grabbing for juicy slices of watermelon, corn on the cob and hot dogs. Beautiful firework displays will light up the night sky. We will all “ooh” and “awe” as each rocket rises up bursting into a colorful sphere of light. Dogs will cower somewhere in dark recesses of our garages as the rocket’s soundings echo through our neighborhoods.

May I suggest that during this time of celebration let us not only be thankful for our nation’s great day of independence from a tyrannical government but let us also never forget our great God who only desires our fellowship, our friendship and our love.  Our bodies, this physical life are really just a momentary blip on a radar screen. God however, in His infinite wisdom, has provided us with eternal life for all those who have the courage to call upon His name.  Jesus said “I am the Way, the truth and the life” and  those who the Son sets free… are free indeed!