America’s Humble Beginnings

Photo from Britiannica.com

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” – Declaration of Independence.

America had a humble and desperate beginning. Our nation’s Declaration of Independence reveals this. Thomas Jefferson, who carefully crafted the historic document wrote, “The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.” Then Jefferson goes on to list 27 examples of the king’s oppressive governmental rule over America’s 13 colonies. All the signers knew how bold of a statement the Declaration was. They knew its implications, and how it would bring upon them the wrath of the king and the full power of his military, unlike what they had seen up to that point.

Understanding what they were to embark on, Jefferson wrote, “We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions…” Jefferson and the signers knew they would need the help of the Almighty to withstand the forces of the powerful British Army and Navy. Today, we know the result of America’s Revolutionary War, but on July 4, 1776, when the 56 men signed their names, the future was uncertain. This is why Jefferson concluded with these solemn words, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” Though they believed victory was possible, they also knew defeat was too. And they knew both the price of victory or defeat could be their very lives. Therefore, with humble hearts they cited the urgent need for the Lord God’s shield of protection about them.

Without question, America’s founders and their colonies were desperate and dependent on God.

How is America today? We have gone from 13 colonies to 50 states, from a population of 2,000,000 to 330,000,000, from a ragtag Continental Army to the world’s most powerful military, from small agriculture beginnings to the wealthiest of all nations.

God once spoke these words to the nation of Tyre from centuries past, “…by your wisdom and your understanding you have made wealth for yourself, and have gathered gold and silver into your treasuries…your heart has become proud…” (Ezekiel 28:4,5) America has been blessed and flourished like no other nation in history, but in our growth, our heart has become dangerously proud.

We have risen to say, “Look, see what we have done!” rather than acknowledging what God has done. We have rejected the One who birthed America. We are erasing whatever vestiges of Him are left in our history. We have covered up the godly foundations He laid across all our institutions. Consequently, we have turned from governing by the principles of His Word to governing by the impulses of our corruptible passions. Instead of celebrating uprightness, we celebrate degenerate behavior. Rather than cheering equal justice under the law, we cheer the injustice poured out on our enemies. Instead of championing all that is good, we destroy it and call evil, good.

The pride of America has turned to arrogance, causing us to declare our independence from God. To this God says, “…Because you make your heart like the heart of a god, therefore, behold, I will bring foreigners upon you.” (Ez. 28:7)

This is a warning of God’s judgement if we do not change. He is not blind! He sees all we have done, and in His own time He will act.

Where is America’s hope? God has sent His only Son, that whoever comes unto Him might be saved. Our nation can be rescued, one soul at a time. He is being patient with us, not treating us as we deserve. Let us heed heaven’s warning before it is too late. Now is the time!

A prayer for you – Lord God, we the people of these United States of America, confess our sin. We have strayed from your good and perfect ways. How wrong we have been. We humble ourselves before you in a spirit of repentance. Forgive us O God, for what we have done. In Jesus’ name. Amen.