In Dependence Day

 
Today we celebrate our annual love affair with picnics, pyrotechnics, and freedom.  Of course the day points back to when the 13 colonies decided to break free of the governance of the British monarchy and become independent.  They voted on July 2nd and then adopted the resolution explaining why on July 4th.  Reflecting on the vote which occurred on July 2nd, John Adams wrote to his wife and said this.
 
“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
 
While the 4th of July (when they signed the declaration) ended up being the celebration day, his prediction of the nature of the day was fairly spot on.  I think it is valuable to read the Declaration of Independence from time to time.  You might even consider reading it every 4th of July.  It represents the reasons why they decided to risk their lives, fortunes, and futures to be free. It is sometimes both sad and shocking to look at those reasons and see that in some ways we have gone back to the very things we were declaring freedom from.   It is also disconcerting that while the founding fathers were declaring independence from the monarchy, they were affirming their dependence on God.  At the very end right before the signatures began are words that are not quite as famous as some of the other words, yet are far more important.  They say this  “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor”.
 
While the founders were declaring independence from a monarchy they were also acknowledging and relying on their utter dependence on God.  I am not so sure that our country can continue to claim that.   I suspect that if questioned, most Americans would put much more trust in our military, our economic domination, or our technology.   In all practicality, they live out a life that relies more on government for protection and providence. History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme. I don't see a government in the history of humanity where such reliance was justified or where that worked out very well.  Rather than living in dependence on Government,  I would suggest we should return to a place of living in dependence on God. 
 
This year as you celebrate lets listen to the whole counsel of John Adams and not only celebrate with “…pomp, parade, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations.” but also celebrate with “solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.”  
 
This week at church we will explore how we can be praying for our country.  Enjoy the 4th and I hope to see you at church!
 
Pastor Chris