Here I Stand . . . I Can Do Nothing Else

On July 4, 1776 our nation was born with the signing of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.  I wonder, how long it has been since you read this document?  Have you ever read it?  I understand from talking to some high schoolers that it is mentioned in class, and the opening words are sometimes read, but that there is no requirement in their history classes to read the document.  This is sad! Is it any wonder that patriotism is waning in our great nation?

Tomorrow when we gather to worship we will not have a “patriotic service”, for we gather not to worship America but rather to worship the Living God who gave us the gift of America.  We will have a prayer to that Great and Sovereign God for protection for this country.  Peggy Noonan, in today’s Wall Street Journal, tells of asking historian David McCullough, “. . . how he accounted in his imagination for the amazing fact of the genius cluster that founded our nation. How did so many gifted men, true geniuses, walk into history at the same time, in the same place, and come together to pursue so brilliantly a common endeavor?” His answer was simply, “I think it was providential.”

Today, as a church family, we will gather for a cookout in celebration of our nation’s birth.  The Declaration of Independence will be read and we will probably sing a patriotic song or two.  We will thank God for this great gift that He, and He in His mercy alone, has given us.  We must remember the truth of Scripture, as stated in Daniel 2:21 — “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men. And knowledge to men of understanding.” You can replace “kings” with “nations” or “presidents.”   So even as we celebrate the birth of our nation, may be remember that is is because of the benevolence of, as the Declaration states, “nature’s God.”

Here’s a novel idea:  While you are eating those bar-b-que ribs, or hamburgers and hot dogs today with your family and friends, why not take about 10 minutes and read aloud the Declaration of Independence?  You can find a text version HERE.

Filed under: American History, Dead yet they speak, Government |