“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” — Psalm 33:12
The summer of 1776 was a difficult time for the British colonies in America. Open warfare with England had erupted a year earlier at Lexington and Concord and the future was filled with political and military uncertainties. In this tense climate, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia with the intention of voting for independence from England. On June 7, Richard Henry Lee from Virginia introduced the resolution to declare the colonies free and independent from England.
In anticipation of this vote, the Congress selected a committee composed of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston and Roger Sherman. They, in turn, instructed Jefferson to write the declaration.
The first paragraph of the Declaration of Independence appeals to the Laws of Nature and to the God who created those natural laws. The second paragraph is probably the best known which says, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; they are endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
The real “meat” of the Declaration, however, is the last paragraph, which was the formal legal declaration of the United States as a separate and free country. This paragraph reveals the true extent of the first colonies faith and reliance in God. It says,
“We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world . . . solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be free and independent states, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britian, is and outright to be totally dissolved . . . And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
Thomas Jefferson later wrote of this event, “I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man . . . the God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time . . . indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.”
Perhaps the most inspiring words came from Patrick Henry, one of the Declaration’s signers when he said, “Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains of slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
It took seven long years, but God was with those humble farmers, peasants and land owners. Often outnumbered two to one, they won the battles for Lexington and Concord, well-known for the “Shot heard around the world” and the midnight ride of Paul Revere alerting the Lexington Militia that the British were coming. Young Paul never made it to his final destination before he was stopped, his horse confiscated and he was forced to walk back from where he came. But his message got through.
Whether it was Boston Harbor or Ticonderoga, Saratoga or Valley Forge, Monmouth Court House or Newport, Savannah, Charleston, and Camden, all produced victories. Finally, at Yorktown, an entire British army suffered defeat in a decisive battle that spelled the end to England’s hold.
America in it’s beginning was a nation and a people that wanted to be free and were willing to fight for it when necessary and die for that privilege. America in it’s beginning called on God for guidance and help and gave him the glory for their victory. Let’s pray that the patriotic fervor that pointed to and included God will once again be resurrected in our beautiful nation.
“We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.” — Psalm 33:20-22
Maranatha!
