On July 4th, two hundred forty years ago, Americans declared their independence from England. England was not pleased with this declaration and went to war. But in the end, America had her desire—she was won her war for independence.
But in what sense are people and countries ever independent?
It is an enticing idea that a people or a country can independently forge their own destiny, write their own history. However, this idea is just as deadly as it is enticing. Reality is this: no country is free from the rule of the Great Sovereign of the Universe. Each person owes his next breath, and each country its next day of freedom, to the God of heaven and earth.
Nebuchadnezzar was a powerful king who thought he was in control of his world. God chose to humble him with a small demonstration of his power. Afterwards, the great king said this:
Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.
His dominion is an eternal dominion;
his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
All the peoples of the earth
are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases
with the powers of heaven
and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand
or say to him: “What have you done?”
This is reality: God does as he pleases with the countries and people of earth. The most secure position anyone can have is to acknowledge that God is the Ruler, the Sovereign, the King of all. Independence from the rule of God is not an option.
Americans achieved independence from England, but we shall never be free from the dominion of Christ. This is an offensive statement to many. Laws are made that challenge the authority and rule of God. It has become unconstitutional for leaders to pray and acknowledge that we owe our lives to the God of the Bible and his Son, Jesus Christ. America is fighting a new war for independence. The politically correct and cultural elites of 21st Century America want to be independent of the God of the Bible.
But this current war, unlike the one declared in 1776 is one that cannot be won. Our leaders have forgotten Nebuchadnezzar’s warning: the God of Heaven is able to humble those who walk in pride.
This July 4th, praise God that you are dependent upon him. Pray that our leaders would heed the warning of Psalm 2:10-12:
Now then, you kings, act wisely!
Be warned, you rulers of the earth!
Serve the Lord with reverent fear,
and rejoice with trembling.Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry,
and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities—
for his anger flares up in an instant.
But what joy for all who take refuge in him!