Romans 13:7
The powers that be are ordained of God.
Every person in this room who names Christ experientially is part of two Kingdoms. We are all part of the Kingdom of God and we will enjoy together the blessings of that future Kingdom when Jesus Christ reigns. But we also have been placed by God in this country and at this time by His wisdom and Providential choice. He has done so for His glory, for His purpose, and for our good. And today, in spite of the political climate, social woes, and sinfulness that surrounds us, we should take the time to be thankful.
Last weekend, we celebrated the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. As far as nations go in the history of the world, we are still an infant nation. And yet, so much has transpired in such a short time.
We have survived and thrived.
Our nation has seen the advancement and experimentation of governmental practices in a way not seen since dawn of the history of mankind. We endured numerous wars, and a Civil War with more American casualties than all other American wars combined. We endured the 20th Century, its World Wars, genocides, and communist upheaval. With 231 million people dying in war in that century, it was, by far, the bloodiest in recorded history, and yet we, as a nation not only remain, but remain strong.
We have seen technological advances like no other. My grandfather courted my grandmother in a horse drawn cart, today couples fly in just a few hours to distant places of the world for their weddings. They travel to and from airports in self-driving vehicles with computerized brains that were impossible to imagine even just a few years ago. Rockets fly into space nearly every day, tens of thousands of satellites circle our planet. Our healthcare system is the best in human history, and the best in world today in spite of whatever flaws it might have.
Our nation, these United States of America, is far from perfect—even from the beginning. We were founded on the principles of liberty and justice, but we have had to struggle continuously to secure those ideals with conflict, blood and tears. Those battles continue to this day. Every generation must fight its own battles to preserve freedom.
We enjoy God’s abundance.
This is not a perfect nation because we are far from a perfect people, but it is a blessed nation. We are blessed with some of the most beautiful and plentiful natural resources of any nation on earth. Our farms are rich and vibrant, orchards are heavy with fruit, fields nourish millions of domesticated animals necessary for our survival. We are a nation rich in mineral resources and could live independently from the rest of the world should we so choose. Our 68 national parks and 138 national monuments preserve the beauty of our Creator’s handiwork for everyone to enjoy, even those who do not acknowledge Him. Our borders are free from the threat of invading militaries because of our unique geography. These are the undeserved gifts of God. …
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