As we reflect on the founding of our country something stuck out to me, 250 years is a long time. I know that is probably obvious to you, but with the fourth approaching I think it is worth mentioning. In some ways it is hard to even wrap your mind around 250 years. Even if you were currently 100 years old, there would be more American history before you were born than American history you lived through. When we think about all the changes, economic, industrial, cultural, social, financial, institutional, it is amazing that our country still exists as it does. It truly is a blessing from God that we are able to call this great nation our home. With all its strengths and weaknesses, all its virtues and vices, the Lord has allowed us to flourish and pass on Liberty to the next generations. I encourage you to reflect on the nation the Lord has blessed us with this week and take time to ask for his continued provision.
One of the founding principles of our democracy is that liberty also carries responsibility. This idea is rooted in scripture and carried through our founding fathers writings. As we ponder this, I wonder if we see our American liberty as a blessing from God, a blessing given alongside biblical responsibility. Of course this would apply to civil responsibility, but what if it applied to more? What responsibility might come with living in the richest, freest, most open country to ever exist? What if the Lord has blessed us with resources, freedom, and liberty to move us to share with others? What if the blessing we received was to be passed on to others, not just in the form of human government, but in the eternal proclamation of Christ? I hope that this thought resonates with you as we rightly celebrate 250 years of this great nation.
God bless,
Pastor Nic
