Saturday, our great country celebrates its 250th birthday. We have come a long way from the days of British rule and celebrations, complete with fireworks, are being planned around the nation. Colonial Williamsburg is expecting 500,000-700,00 visitors per day to make the trek to celebrate this milestone! Of course, there is also the traditional “A Capitol Fourth” celebration in Washington, with many well known stars of stage and screen, as well as the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Indy’s own Jack Everly.
In the scheme of things, we are not an old nation. In fact, I would think that many European nations consider it somewhat anticlimactic that we would celebrate only 250 years of existence. Especially when there are nations that have existed for several thousand years. But, for us, we have done quite a bit of “living” during the past quarter of a millennium. And for the most part, we have lived out our history in the public eye on the world stage.
Among other reasons, this nation was founded as a haven for religious freedom. Our forefathers believed in God as memorialized in such famous events as Washington crossing the Delaware at Valley Forge on Christmas Eve, 1776, in very adverse circumstances. Many scholars believe that Washington exhibited his strongest leadership when he got down on his knees invoking the name of God in prayer – guiding him to his next decision. To members of the Indian tribes, it was thought that Washington had divine protection from “the Great Spirit.”
In fact, Washington wrote to his younger brother, John, “By the all powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability and expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side.”
There is actually a new exhibit at the Museum of the Bible in Washington that features a painting of Washington in prayer and the program professes, “While other influences aided in the founding principles of our nation, nothing – and there’s not even a close second – had the influence as the power of Scripture.”
Dr. Ben Carson, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017-2021, relates that Washington realized that God had saved him for a reason. In fact, one of the Indian chiefs who had fought against Washington asked to meet the future president. He told Washington, “Sir, I just needed to meet you because I am an expert marksman and I shot you 17 times and my men shot you, and pretty soon I told them to stop wasting their bullets, because this is a man who is protected… I just wanted to see you before I died, knowing that you would become the father of a great nation.” It’s an incredible story, verified from others who were present at the time.
Lincoln, and many others, have sought the advice of God Almighty as well. Lincoln famously said, “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.” So it’s clear that this nation’s leaders have turned to God throughout our history. It’s a powerful thing to be driven to your knees in prayer. I know – I’ve been there myself many times.
I should point out that not every God fearing patriot believes the same things about God. We have had Presbyterians, Methodists, Episcopalians, Catholics, Unitarians, Deists and many other flavors of Christianity. Some have been so bold as to even cut Bibles apart or create their own interpretations of the Bible for their personal use. Such is the liberty that this country guarantees to each of us.
Now please understand that I am not being naive. Our nation, as great as it is, has its share of issues to deal with. And with the help of God, we will continue to overcome our internal struggles and the divisiveness that has become a part of our recent history. But one of the great things about this country is our ability to come together and celebrate the big things together. And this weekend, with the celebration of our 250th birthday, is one of those occasions. Fifty years ago we celebrated our 200th. But from what I have witnessed this past year, our 250th will be even better! Freedom has cost our nation dearly, but that is the price we pay for the lives that we desire – a way of life that has been made possible by our Heavenly Father.
Our verse for tonight is from Paul’s second letter to his church at Corinth. Paul tells his church, and us, in 2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” My encouragement this evening is that it is the responsibility of all Christians to continue to pray for our nation, our leaders and for God’s direction in our steps. Prayer is the most important thing that we can do.
Regardless of your political party, we are “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Those aren’t just words – they are a goal – something we strive for each day. And that doesn’t come automatically or easily. It takes work. My prayer is that we will never take our freedom for granted. Freedom isn’t free. And those who defend our country, as well as the first responders, are deserving of our gratitude and admiration for the sacrifices that they have made. In the meantime, let us celebrate the stamina and successes we have experienced for two and a half centuries. Happy Birthday, America. Be safe this weekend. And have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…