Independence Day: Is It from God?
Isaiah 11:12 - God will raise a flag (banner, standard) among the Nations for Israel to rally around. He will gather the scattered people of Judah from the ends of the earth.
Vocabulary
Independence Day – Independere Yom. The celebration of the National Holiday which is the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
This year of 2021, We as Believers will celebrate our Country’s birth on the First Sunday, the Lord’s Day, as we remember our Savior with Communion and Sacrament. The Fourth of July commemorates how we as a young nation declared our freedom from Great Britain (England). We wanted our Independence from England’s governmental tyranny and the oppressive royal rule of the king who was unfair, unjust, and uncaring towards the colonies. One of the chief slogans that the Colonists used was “No Taxation Without Representation.” Even at that time people wanted a voice and a Vote in their lives. But be that as it may, no country, no group, nor no person can have any type of Independence outside of the Standards of God.
God is Immutable (unchanging). God is Eternal (Forevermore). God is absolute and He is not dependent upon anything or anyone. We need Him to live. He does not need us. God is perfect in all ways, manners, and forms. We are not. Therefore, God is Independent of us because of His knowledge (Isaiah 40:13-14); His Power (Job 36:23) and His Holiness, Grace and Goodness (Romans 18). We can never be independent of God in complete and outstanding ways.
There are times, however, when we can control, somewhat, some of our affairs away from outside concerns. A prime example is when we obey and are faithful to commands like Abram was to Tithes and offerings and not receiving from others. (Genesis14:22-24). Also, we can be independent when we take responsibility for our actions and not blame others. (John 9:21-22).
Celebrating both the Fourth of July and the Lord’s Day on the First Sunday should both be Blessings to Remember. On the Lord’s Day we can take the time to recall to our memories God’s Past Blessings (Ezra 9:5-15) for our Country and our Church’s. Secondly, God’s Promises for the present and for the future, (Nehemiah 1:8-11). Lastly Lost opportunities (Psalm 137:1-3) when we can take this time to do like our Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, states to be One Nation, Under God, Indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for All.” Amen.
Conclusion
Children grow and mature and become independent from their Parents. Colonies become independent from Countries. Everyone wants to be free and on their own to do as they like. Independence and self, reliance are great to have, but only within the parameters of our God’s Standards.
