The Fourth of July
Our nation is about to celebrate its 250th birthday on the 4th of July. It is a time for fireworks, neighborhood gatherings (put LOG’s gathering on your calendar!), grilling food, and parties. What a blessing it is to have the freedoms provided by our constitution.
On Sunday, July 5th, Lord of Grace will have a special worship service to offer prayers of blessings upon those who serve as first responders. Please invite anyone you know who might serve in those roles. The combined service at 10 am will recognize active and retired individuals who serve in our nation’s military, police and fire departments, doctors, nurses, EMT’s, and all other first responder roles.
I’d like to take a moment to emphasize a point that is sometimes forgotten. As an Air Force veteran, I am proud of having served in Desert Storm for the freedoms of our nation. But I also recognize that the United States is not a favorite nation of God. The famous verse from John 3:16 highlights the point. “For God so loved the WORLD…” While WE might be proud of ourselves and our accomplishments over the past 250 years, we are not perfect, we have and continue to make mistakes, and we certainly aren’t more important in God’s eyes than the people who live in ANY other nation of the world.
According to Scripture, Jesus and the Disciples broke the barriers of national boundaries. The Gospel shares examples of Jesus healing and teaching in areas surrounding Israel (to the shock of the Israelites) without consideration of national or political allegiances. For Jesus loves the WORLD. And the Scriptures teach to love God and the neighbors as ourselves, without exceptions.
I see God’s kingdom like a family unit. Each nation is a child in the Father’s house. We celebrate birthdays for each child, but no child is more important than the other. This month, may we joyfully celebrate our nation, with all of its blessings and imperfections. At the same time, let’s not be arrogant or selfish, thinking we are God’s favorite child at the expense of our siblings in Christ.
Have a safe and blessed 4th of July. And may those who serve as First Responders be blessed for their selfless work that comes to the aid of people in need, no matter who they are and where they are from.
Peace,
Pastor Randy