Introduction: America has just celebrated her 249th birthday! But the question remains—was it truly a “Happy Birthday”?
Actually, America is not very old compared to other nations. Yet, the hand of God was clearly on this nation from its beginning. A brief history lesson will confirm this truth.
From Christopher Columbus’s (1400s) discovery, to the landing of the Puritans (Pilgrims) in the 1600s, to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776—the providential hand of God can be seen in every step.
To summarize, let’s take a look at where we’ve been—drawing a parallel from what the Lord said to Israel.
1. Where We’ve Been – A Parallel from Israel (Deuteronomy 11:8–12) – “Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it; And that ye may prolong your days in the land, which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give unto them and to their seed, a land that floweth with milk and honey. For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs: But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven:
A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.”
History records the motive of the Puritans—God-fearing Christians—for sailing away to establish a new home. Why did they pack up their families? They did so in order to start a new life in a brand-new land of freedom:
Freedom to worship the God of the Bible
Freedom to share and witness the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world
Freedom to build a government of the people and for the people
Freedom from government-controlled religion
Freedom from authoritarian taxation by the British
When the leaders of this nation—both political and spiritual—cease to totally depend upon the Word of God for direction, the Holy Spirit for illumination, and the Son of God for salvation, America will ultimately fail.
May we as a people come under the authority of those over us—unless it contradicts clear biblical teaching. Why? Because this is the will of God (Romans 13:1–8).
Conclusion: While we sang “Happy Birthday” to our beloved nation just a few days ago, remember: Jesus Christ has promised to come again and set up His Kingdom—a government that will rule from His throne forever and ever.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
