Monday, July 3, 2017
1 Timothy 2:1 I urge … that thanksgiving be made … for kings and all those in authority.
GIVE THANKS FOR THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES (1)
Tomorrow the citizens of America will celebrate Independence Day, the holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The day in history when the Continental Congress declared the thirteen American colonies to be a new and free nation, no longer part of the British Empire.
Be encouraged to set aside some time to reflect on the blessings you enjoy as a United States citizen. Our God, who has made us citizens of His eternal realm by bringing us to faith in Jesus and through Him has poured out on us priceless blessings for our soul, has gifted us with many temporal benefits too through the secular government, for which we also have reason to praise Him.
In the Bible verse above, Paul encourages us to do just that. For it is through the governing authorities (people like law enforcement personnel, courts and judges, state governors, members of Congress, the President) that He bestows such blessings on us as: roads to drive on, hospitals where we may receive medical care, armed forces to protect our country, schools to teach us (to name only a few). Blessings from the Lord that we ought not take for granted!
Before the Lord we bow, The God who reigns above
And rules the world below In boundless power and love.
Our thanks we bring, In joy and praise
Our hearts we raise To heav'n's high King.
The nation You have blessed May well Your love declare,
From foes and fears at rest, Protected by Your care.
For this bright day, For this fair land--
Gifts of Your hand-- Our thanks we pay.
(Lutheran Service Book, 966:1-2)
