And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them, “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the rules that I speak in your hearing today, and you shall learn them and be careful to do them.” – Deuteronomy 5:1
The Fourth of July reminds us each year that our nation came together in unity to fiercely defend the basic rights for citizens on this planet. We know from the Bible that each and every one of us have forsaken our rights by sinning against our Creator. We have broken God’s covenant. And yet, God has graciously shown mercy to all. He has stayed His hand and not immediately punished us for our sins. He shares His love with us and calls us to faith and repentance.
As we enjoy God’s mercy and grace – directly extended through His mercy and grace – we recognize that we have certain inalienable rights. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are at the core of our nation’s values. These are rights to be mutually respected and defended. Our forefathers declared their independence based on these rights, for all men, since we are all created equal. This is what Independence Day is about. Juneteenth reinforces these rights for all.
Our forefathers created our Constitution to further uphold and protect these rights, and to promote accountability, equality, and freedom. Consider this movie quote (spoken by Tom Hanks’ character in Bridge of Spies): “My name’s Donovan. Irish, both sides. Mother and father. I’m Irish and you’re German. But what makes us both Americans? Just one thing. One. Only one. The rule book. We call it the Constitution, and we agree to the rules, and that’s what makes us Americans. That’s all that makes us Americans. So don’t tell me there’s no rule book.”
Like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, this quote reminds us that our nation was founded on law, written in words, and communicated for all to be aware – and for all to freely acknowledge. The blessings on this nation are grounded in law, written in words, for all to respect and enjoy as we agree to them. Praise God, there is a rule book!
Moses lifted the law of God – the Ten Commandments – before the people. The nation of Israel was grounded in God’s law, written in words, for all to respect and enjoy. Moses reminded the people of God, “You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess” (Deuteronomy 5:33). As we reflect on the Fourth of July, let us be reminded to love God’s law, which was written in words for you to know, and is there for all people of this nation and this earth to respect and enjoy as we agree to them. Praise God, there is a rule book!
We have much to celebrate! We have God’s love and His law! And He has given us a country where we can celebrate freedoms, freely. Sure, we get it wrong, sometimes – just like we corrupt His law, sometimes. All the more reason to rejoice that His love and law never change. His grace rescues us from our foolishness. This week, ponder anew how July 4, 1776, declared freedom for all and Juneteenth is a new testament – further realization and declaration – of this freedom for all. In the Old Testament, God made clear His law for His people. The New Testament reinforces that His law is for all people. His Good News is for all. Do you know God’s grace, declared in words, for all people, given through His Son, and received through faith and repentance?
