A Fourth of July Meditation

A Fourth of July Meditation

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. – I Timothy 2:1-6

As Christian citizens, we rejoice with gratitude to God for the privileges and freedoms that are ours. We acknowledge anew that God reigns over our land and over the entire world, and that unless our nation seeks His guidance day after day, it stands in danger of losing its peace, for no country can expect divine blessings if it ignores Him who alone rules over heaven and earth. As God-fearing citizens, we ought to show a deep concern for our country’s welfare, not only in an earthly way, but especially in a spiritual sense. To this the Apostle Paul directs our attention to I Timothy 2:1-6 above.

From this text, we learn that prayer for all men and especially for those in authority is good and acceptable in the sight of God. Luther once wrote: “The government is a sign of divine grace and is to be held in honor; therefore, we ought to pray for rulers, who may not easily be corrupted and spoiled! ” So Paul, like Luther, urges the churches to pray for all manner of rulers, since the good will of those in authority is of great importance for the existence and expansion of the Church.

After all, the true Church of Christ is mankind’s greatest benefactor. It makes men free by telling them that through Jesus Christ, they are delivered from the bondage of sin, death, and the devil. It gives men hope and comfort in times of trouble. Through the power of the Word, the Gospel of our Lord produces many blessings for a country.

Furthermore, when men become Christians, they also become better citizens. Through the Bible, they have learned that the government is God’s ordinance (Romans 13:1); that they should be subject for conscience’ sake, living peaceably with all men and respecting the rights of others. Only when the government acts contrary to the Word of God is disobedience in place, Acts 5:29. Indeed, the Church promotes the highest type of citizenship and is a genuine benefactor of the State.

Yet Jesus once predicted: “Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to the counsel… and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for My sake!” Matthew 10:17-18. And history reveals much opposition from civil authorities to the Church. Thus after the death of Stephen the Church at Jerusalem was scattered, Acts 11:19. Then followed the martyrdom of James and the many trials of Paul at the hands of wicked rulers, Acts 12:1-3; II Corinthians 11:24-25; II Timothy 4:6. There were the terrible Roman persecutions of the Church, the experiences of our forefathers under hostile authorities in Saxony Germany, and even today there are tribulations for Christians at home and abroad. Such opposition is a check on the free course of the Gospel and makes church work and mission endeavors difficult and hazardous.

How shall the Church meet such opposition? Not by violence, but by our good conduct, by seeking the peace of the city, and above all, by praying that those in authority might be peace-loving, lest our precious freedoms be harmed or even lost. God, with whom all things are possible, can incline the hearts of civil rulers to be kindly disposed to the Church or compel them to give up their evil designs against it.

Since God wants all men to be saved, we should pray that those in authority might also come to the knowledge of the truth in Christ so that they do not hinder the Church, and we might lead a peaceable life. God will hear such prayers, even though He at times permits trial and persecution, it is always for the good of His people and the welfare of His Church.

While the success of the Church is not dependent on any form of government, its blessed activity can unfold its greater advantage under friendly authorities. Then property and life will be protected; there will be no interference with the exercise of religion, and the Church can discharge its duties unhindered. How we ought to continue to pray that God’s great gift of peace might remain among us!

We live in difficult times. Forces hostile to religion march daily through this world of ours. There is much contempt for the Word of God, much lawlessness and disorder in our land. Does, this situation not show us the great necessity of interceding for all men that God might move them to accept the Gospel and of praying that He might also guide and control our leaders in government so that all our liberties might be preserved to us and to our children? The Lord has promised, “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14.

May we fervently pray for our country and its rulers and say with the poet,

O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland!