So, here we are at another Independence Day celebration. 247 years since July 4, 1776. I am beyond grateful to have been able to grow up here in the United States of America.
I wonder, though, about the beginnings of the Revolutionary War. Especially this: How did Christians understand the meaning of bible verses about obeying governmental authority? This is complicated. When the New Testament was written followers of Christ were being terribly persecuted- discrimination, tortue and death. Yet, still, “Obey those in authority over you.”
(Meandering thoughts here…) But here’s something interesting about the Declaration of Independence… It ends with a sort of declaration of dependence, “appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions”… “with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
So, this weekend while we celebrate, I am going to remember my blessings. I’m also going to be meditating on how dependent I am upon God and that I am not my own.