This morning we pause and give thanks to our God for the freedoms we enjoy, freedoms that have come at significant cost to those who provided them. Those early signers of the Declaration and our first patriots all stood, served, and sacrificed while God gave birth to a new nation.
For almost 250 years, our nation has experienced the blessing, grace, and mercy of our God. We have also tasted His judgment and His discipline. We must continue to pray for our nation and advocate for the weak and the vulnerable while calling for just and righteous laws.
To do these things is both wise and biblical. God spoke to His people through the prophet Jeremiah:
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7)
God’s Word (specifically this passage) reminds us of a few things:
- This world is not our home. Our citizenship belongs in a heavenly kingdom, not a temporary nation. We are to be looking for an eternal city, one made by God’s own hands eternal, in the heavens. Therein lies our hope, and there we must lay up our treasure.
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
Jeremiah 29:7
2. While we are not of this world, we still find ourselves in this world. And while we are in this world, we must labor and speak and pray for the welfare of our “place of residence.” In sharing God’s ways and wisdom, we advocate for human flourishing on behalf of our neighbors and our nation.
3. True and lasting freedom is only found in Christ. Let’s continue to learn and experience what it means to be a people on mission. Let’s pursue HIS mission, sharing the gospel, growing in gospel knowledge, and living in genuine gospel community. The more we do these things, the more we will experience His joy, blessing, and power.
Happy Fourth.
Living Theology 