Don't Underestimate Its Importance
As a follower of Christ, my allegiance is to Him and His Kingdom above all else. I am also, however, a patriotic American, devoted to this nation which He raised up to trumpet the gospel (“good news”) to all the world. That He did so is both historically accurate and a sacred trust.
John Quincy Adams, the sixth U.S. President and son of John and Abigail Adams, said, “The highest glory of the American Revolution was this–it connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the precepts of Christianity.”(1)
In 1837, at the age of 69, in delivering a Fourth of July speech at Newburyport, Massachusetts, Adams said:
“Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day (the Fourth of July)? Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer’s mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity?”(2)
Do not accept anyone’s revision of America’s history; do not be moved by ridiculous accusations against patriotism and love of country; and do not accept the heretical and ludicrous arguments that God would never raise up a nation for the primary purpose of trumpeting the gospel.
Today is Flag Day in the United States, celebrated on June 14th each year to commemorate the adoption of the American flag. Our flag holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans as a symbol of freedom, democracy, and unity. Today provides an opportunity for Americans to boldly display their patriotism.
The flag has played a significant role throughout American history, flying proudly during times of war, strife, and triumph. It is a symbol that unites Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs, representing the shared ideals and aspirations of the nation. The Stars and Stripes remind us of the values and principles the nation was founded upon, including liberty, justice, and equality for all.
The origins of Flag Day can be traced back to the late 19th century when a schoolteacher named Bernard J. Cigrand first proposed the idea of celebrating the flag’s adoption. He organized the first formal observance of Flag Day in 1885 at Stony Hill School in Wisconsin, where students celebrated the flag’s birthday with patriotic activities and ceremonies. Over the years, the observance of Flag Day gained popularity, and in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed June 14th as Flag Day.(3)
On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. Its design consisted of thirteen alternating red and white stripes representing the original thirteen colonies, along with a blue field in the upper left corner containing thirteen white stars arranged in a circle to symbolize a new constellation.(4)
On Flag Day, Americans across the country celebrate by displaying the flag at homes, schools, government buildings, and businesses. Many communities hold parades, ceremonies, and other events to honor the flag and show their patriotism. It is a day for Americans to reflect on the history and symbolism of the American flag and remember the sacrifices made by those who have defended it.
For many of us, it is also a day to recommit to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
Today, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, given below; I have. And I invite you to watch the moving video of Johnny Cash sharing the Ragged Old Flag. Fox presented this video ahead of Superbowl LVII; a Tribute to America. You can click on this link.
Pray with me:
Father, today we recommit to Your great cause of creating a family for Yourself. We know this is why humans were created. As many of us sang in Sunday School, “Red, yellow, black and white, they are precious in [Your] sight.” All people in the world are loved equally by You.
In the context of this great cause, I, as an American, recommit myself to the primary purpose for which You formed this nation. Restore us fully to this destiny. May the emerging revival create the greatest passion ever possessed in America to sound forth Your good news! May this cause become a holy obsession, a consuming passion, the zeal of Yeshua Himself! Let nothing stop this!
Amen.
Our decree:
The gospel will go forth from these shores, not only to this land, but to all the nations of the earth. (stated by Robert Hunt at Cape Henry, 1607)
The Pledge of Allegiance
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Take some time a watch that video right now. The Ragged Old Flag by Johnny Cash.
Click on the link below to watch the full video.
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Ibid.
Ibid.
I decree, The gospel will go forth from these shores, not only to this land, but to all the nations of the earth. (stated by Robert Hunt at Cape Henry, 1607)
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
I grew up within sight of Stony Hill School! Celebrated Flag Day every year and even proposed to my wife there. It is a very special place for many reasons!