The Declaration of Independence
“And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious.” Isaiah 11:10
This July marks the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the United States of America. There is red, white, and blue bunting in abundance. The Stars and Stripes fly everywhere. Celebrations abound. Among Christ-believers, there will be prayers aplenty. This is right and good, for so Scripture instructs us, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim 2:1-4)
Years ago, one of our CLC churches had both a U.S. and a Christian flag displayed in the front of the sanctuary. One of the members came to the pastor and pointed out that, according to proper flag etiquette, the Stars and Stripes was on the wrong side. Those instructions say the U.S. flag should always be in the primary (right hand) position. The pastor said he was glad the person noticed the placement of the flags, for they were not in the way they were by accident. The Christian flag (white with a red cross on a blue field) was deliberately on the right hand because our primary allegiance is to Christ our Lord. In fact, it is from our loyalty to Jesus and our commitment to the Gospel that we draw the strength to be good and faithful citizens of our nation – even when times are difficult because of serious problems among our citizenry.
Lord God, heavenly Father, unite our hearts and heal the divisions within our nation. Let Your peace in Christ rule in the hearts of more and more Americans. In Jesus’ strong and saving Name. Amen