In just over a month from this date, we will celebrate the 237th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Our day off on July 4, is an opportunity to have a “Day of Remembrance” of our Independence. God himself requires His people to remember our past, especially when He has acted in our behalf, as in Joshua 4:20-22.
Independence Day celebrates a decision by the representatives of the people of the colonies in America to make a new nation, separating from a foreign government that was uninterested in the desires of the people. It was a brave act on the part of those who signed the Declaration of Independence. In fact, most either lost their fortunes, their lives, their homes or their families. Yet these men waved the cost aside in view of the spiritual (quote from DOI: “and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them”) and the physical needs of the people.
A year ago next month, the Supreme Court of this nation ruled that a law approved by the people of one state to protect their borders from criminal elements coming across into their state went against the federal law, and so was unconstitutional. Yet the men who wrote the constitution made that document to limit the central government (federal government) from controlling the states or its people. George Washington and Benjamin Franklin would immediately call for a week (yes, a week) of prayer so that our nation could get back to obeying our God who established this nation. Yet, because of strongly held political opinions that reveal the desire of a few to rule absolutely, our courts, our congressional houses and our executive branches of government have been consumed by those who would do away with the document written by those brave men who signed (using this phrase, “appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions”) the Declaration of Independence, as well as our Constitution.
It will be imperative that brave men and women around our nation stand up for the godly values that made our nation, no matter our cost. We must ask ourselves, “Are we going to stand with our forefathers and retain our nation as intended by God and by those brave individuals, or are we going to withdraw?”
The future nation of The United States of America may very well depend on our decision. Even if our national leaders will not call for a week of prayer, we can still remember and act on what Father God said: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)◊◊◊
Editor’s note: Jim Duncan is the pastor of Mountain Bible Church, Mountain, Mo. He may be contacted at P.O. Box 146, Pea Ridge, AR 72751; or by telephone at 417-341-8504; by e-mail at james [email protected]. His Web site is www.jamesduncan-writer.net.
Church, Pages 2 on 06/05/2013