On July 4, 1776 the thirteen American colonies declared themselves no longer subject to British rule. Today, 245 years later, we celebrate once again our independence and the establishment of our beloved nation, a nation built on the enduring principle “that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness…”.
Independence may have been declared on July 4, 1776 but it took 5 more years of sacrifice and conflict before that dream was actually achieved. Yet out of that conflict grew a nation which has become a beacon of hope for all people, a refuge for the “huddled masses yearning to breathe free…”
The United States is by no means perfect and we still have a long way to go until the promise implied by the phrase “all Men are created equal” will be fully realized, but America still shines as an example to other nations of what can be achieved by a people who are truly free.
Long ago, on a hill called Mount Calvary, the Son of God set all men free. With His final words, “It is finished,” Jesus declared our independence from the oppressive rule of the Prince of Darkness, signing his Declaration of Independence not with pen and ink, but with His own blood, spilt for you and me. By His blood He set us free and “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36).
The full potential of Jesus’ Declaration of Independence has yet to be realized. Just as the British did not give up easily, Satan will not relinquish his hold on humanity without a fight. The Conflict of the Ages still rages and we each feel it’s effects on a daily basis. However, the outcome is assured. “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” (Hebrews 10:37).
On that victorious day, “the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
When Jesus comes again He will welcome all who have believed in His name, people not just from America, but “persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.” (Revelation 5:9). The battle over, the victory won, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” (Revelation 21:4). Then, and only then, will we truly be one people, “one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all…”
So, this 4th of July, enjoy your parades and picnics, sing your patriotic songs, and celebrate with me America, “the Land of the Brave and the Free”. But, as you celebrate, remember – this is just the beginning! A new day is just over the horizon, an Independence Day which will never end, a day when we will once and forever be truly free, free to be all God made us to be.
Happy 4th of July and God Bless America!