Blessed is the nation whose God is the
LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. Psalm 33:12
In honor of July 4th this week, the devotionals are devoted to
the founding of this country and the men responsible for building this great
Christian nation.
In all the
early writings of those who were graced by God to discover, settle and
establish this land, there are multiple references to deity. Christopher Columbus recognized his mission
as one of divine origin and disposition.
When the settlers who founded the Jamestown colony landed at Cape Henry
in April of 1607, they erected a large wooden cross and held a prayer meeting. When the pilgrims arrived in 1620 they again
further expressed their feelings in the Mayflower Compact which begins with
these words: "In the name of God,
Amen. We whose names are
underwritten...Having undertaken for the Glory of God and the Advancement of the
Christian Faith and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the
first colony in the northern Parts of Virginia...".
A Covenant Nation
The religious
foundation of America is displayed in the New England Confederation written in
1643 and beginning with these words: "Whereas
we all came into these parts of America with one and the same end and aim,
namely, to advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ and to enjoy the
liberties of the gospel in purity with peace..."
Our nation was born as a covenant nation. It is the only surviving nation on earth that
had its origins in the determination to establish a settlement, "To
the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith." A
covenant nation is one that recognizes that God and His purposes stand over and
above the nation. The highest role a
nation can play is to reflect God's righteousness in national policy.
Following the
establishment of the colonies was the fight against the tyranny and oppression
of the mother country. It was a people who had experienced the Great Awakening
of America, inspired to a great degree to fight for freedom from this tyranny
by the preaching of such men as George Whitfield, Jonathan Edwards, and John
Wesley. Calvin Coolidge said, "America
was born in a revival of religion."
When the
Continental Congress met in 1775, the sense of divine providence again
permeated the proceedings as the men met to form this document. And then in 1776 the Declaration of Independence was voted upon on July 4th and
signed on August 2nd.
Men of Integrity
The 56 men who
gathered there to lay the foundation of our liberties were men of
integrity. They were successful men of
prosperity and wealth. The cost of
liberty brought all of these men to a place of commitment to God and each
other. The closing words of the Declaration of Independence declare: "With a firm reliance on the protection
of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes
and our sacred honor."
They were
willing to pay a great price for the freedoms we enjoy today. Of these 56 who
signed, l4 lost their lives as captured soldiers or casualties in the war. They
lost sons, friends, land and possessions.
They were denounced as rebels and traitors to be hanged if caught.
In 1776 Thomas
Payne wrote, "What we obtain too
cheaply we esteem too lightly; It is dearness only that gives everything its
value. Heaven knows how to put a price
upon its goods, and it would be strange, indeed, if so celestial an article as
freedom should not be so highly rated." Nathan Hale was a graduate of
Yale and a spy for our Colonists. When caught and prepared for hanging his last
words were, "I only regret that I
have but one life to lose for my country." To those who sacrificed,
the end was worth the painful means.
Scripture to Claim:
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
2 Corinthians 3:17
