A NATION UNDER GOD

I Was Just Thinking About – A NATION UNDER GOD.

Tomorrow – July 4th – is the 241st anniversary of the birth of this nation. When the First Continental Congress convened in Carpenters’ Hall in early September 1774, one of its first official acts was to call a minister, who read Psalm 35 to the assembled delegates and prayed for God’s blessings on their important work. The selection of Psalm 35 is its’ application to the uncertain and troubled times through which an independent nation would be passing. Charles H. Spurgeon in his Treasury of David wrote: “The internal evidence seems to fix the date of its composition in those troublous times when Saul hunted David and when those who fawned upon the cruel king, slandered the innocent object of his wrath. The whole Psalm is the appeal to heaven of a bold heart and a clear conscience, irritated beyond measure by oppression and malice.” 

An Editorial Opinion published in the Tuscaloosa News, July 2nd, 2017, written by Daniel L. Dreisbach wrote: “In the years that followed (1774-1776), as Americans articulated their fundamental rights, agitated for political independence, and established new constitutional republics in the aftermath of a devastating war, many Americans — including those who doubted the Bible’s divine origins — looked to the Bible for insights into human nature, civic virtue, social order, political authority, and other concepts essential to the establishment of a new political society. Some saw in Scripture political and legal models — such as republicanism and separation of powers — that they believed enjoyed divine favor and were worthy of emulation in their polities. A popular view among Americans, for example, was that the Hebrew “republic” described in the Scriptures was a model of and divine precedent for a republican government well designed to promote political prosperity…Some founders thought the Bible was an indispensable handbook for republican citizenship. In particular, the Bible, more than any other source, taught the civic virtues required of citizens in a regime of political self-government. A self-governing people, in short, had to be a virtuous, disciplined people who were controlled from within by an internal moral compass, which would replace external control by an authoritarian ruler’s whip and rod. And the Bible, many believed, was the well-spring of this essential civic virtue. This prompted John Adams to describe the Bible as “the most republican book in the world.”

What is the Biblical Christian’s obligation toward civil government? The Scriptures are very clear: “Pray for those who have rule and authority over you” (I Timothy 2:1-2); “Show proper respect to everyone…fear God, honor the emperor/king (I Peter 2:17); Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people (Proverbs 14:34).” Are you faithfully and dutifully fulfilling your obligation to the nation?

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.