“He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, because he was fully convinced that what God had promised, He was also able to do.” Romans 4:20-21 CSB
The signing of the Declaration of Independence was an act of faith by 56 delegates from 13 colonies. They were like Abraham, who is described in the verse above. He is “the father of many nations” (Romans 4:17 CSB), including ours. The signers of the Declaration had this belief in common: there is no law above God’s law. The motto of the Revolutionary war, “No king, but King Jesus!” These men had incredible faith. They knew they were committing an act of treason in the eyes of the British Parliament.
John Hancock, well known for his flowery signature, was President of Congress at this time. He supposedly said about Congress, after signing, that they “must all hang together.” Benjamin Franklin responded, “Yes, we must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” It truly was a matter of life or death for them. They believed in the power of God and His ability to lead them to freedom. So much so, they put their lives on the line when they signed what has become the foundation for our country.
From their bravery, one of the most well known sentences in the English language evolved:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, 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.”
Our country was founded by men who believed. Men who overcame their unbelief and literally changed the world. When we believe there is “No king, but King Jesus” we can do anything, even start a new country. A country that has been nicknamed the Land of the Free; a Land of Opportunity, a Melting Pot for the world. A Christian nation, founded by Christian men who were honoring their true King, Jesus. On this day of Independence for our country, let’s thank them for what they did for us. Let’s thank them for giving us a land where all men (and women) are created equal, free to pursue “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Morning Prayer:
“Lord, I’m grateful Abraham didn’t waver in his faith, nor did the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. I pray we can be strengthened in our faith like they were, let us always give the glory to You. We know, Lord, you can do whatever you say You will do. In You we place our faith and hope for a future (Romans 4:20-21 CSB). In Jesus name we pray. Amen
