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Tomorrow is the 4th of July and Americans across the globe will be unfurling their flags and rolling out their grills. We gather together to celebrate the victory of a provincial gaggle of conflicted colonies over the dominant world power of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Through that conflict, our flag, the Star Spangled Banner was born. It holds symbolic meanings that represent the DNA of our culture. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white represents purity and innocence, and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice. These interpretations were given by Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress.
While these aspirations have never been fully realized, to the world today, the flag continues to wave as a beacon of freedom and hope. We also remember and honor all those who have served and sacrificed so that we would be free.
With that said, dear Berean, on this 4th of July, we also must fix our gaze on a perfect beacon of freedom and hope that is much more than a colorful flag we waive for a celebration that lasts for a day, or for a country that may last a few centuries.
We have a symbol that represents an eternal hope in the only person who perfectly proved himself on the battlefield for our souls. His triumph over sin and death freed his people from the tyranny of Satan for all eternity. His gospel is the power we use today to vanquish our foe and save his people.
On this 4th of July let us renew our pledge of allegiance to King Jesus who was nailed to the cross for our sins; rose from the dead to give us hope and is seated on his throne to rule in majesty and power.
Bereans, may we gaze upon the empty cross this Sunday and celebrate with all his saints, proclaiming that he is King of kings and Lord of lords.
Pastor Terry B
