Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Isaiah 60:16 You shall milk the breasts of kings . . .
NURSING AT ROYAL BREASTS
This nugget found in the depths of the "Old Testament Evangelist," Isaiah, forms an appropriate 4th of July reminder. In the midst of many struggles, Zion (the hill upon which Jerusalem and the temple were built and thus a name given to God's people, the Holy Christian Church) is assured of future days of glory here on earth and forever in eternity. For the Israelites this promise found wonderful fulfillment in their return from captivity in Babylon and the repeated assurance of the Savior's coming and the Gentile's swelling of the ranks of the faithful.
Among these blessings promised Zion would be that she would "nurse at royal breasts." Besides the providential freeing of the Israelites by King Cyrus, the Church has enjoyed countless blessings from the Lord through the agency of divinely-appointed governments and rulers. Even unwitting governments as well as those with godless and sinister intent, all play into our God's hands. His purposes will be accomplished through them; often in spite of them.
On this 4th of July we are living in a land filled with a myriad of political, social, economic, and moral problems. In the midst of these, however, we dare not forget that we continue to "nurse at royal breasts."
Our government still exists by Divine Providence as "God's servant to us for good" (Romans 13). For over 100 years we have been protected from the ravages of war within our borders. Peace and order have reigned. We have freedoms which are the envy of the world's oppressed and which we take so easily for granted.
Yet the greatest blessing of our government is freedom of worship and religion by which we "live quiet and peaceful lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:2). Who but the Almighty alone could measure its impact? Because of this blessing the Gospel has indeed had free course and been preached to the joy and edifying of Christ's holy people. Because of it many have heard the "Good News" and in faith embraced Jesus as their Savior from sin. Because of it we can peaceably operate our churches, schools, and church body without fear of outside intervention or persecution. Let's hope this is not another blessing we first must lose to fully appreciate.
Yes, God's children as Christian citizens still have cause for celebrating the 4th of July -- and giving thanks to God!
