My Favorite Holiday

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.” -Psalm 77:11

What is your favorite holiday?

Why do you love that one so much?

There are so many different answers to these questions. And so many people have different ideas on what should be a person’s favorite holiday. I think we, as Christians, tend to believe (or act like we believe) that our favorite holidays have to be the religious ones, such as Christmas or Easter, and our reasons for liking them so much should be because of our Savior. His birth, or His death and resurrection. It’s something that has been engrained into us…just like the right answer in Sunday School was always “Jesus!”, or the “Biblical” answer.

While there is nothing wrong with Christmas or Easter being your favorite holiday, if it truly is, or your reason being because our Savior came to earth and died for our sins…that is not the only answer. Neither do the other options have to be completely secular. And we shouldn’t be ashamed to love another holiday more than the “religious” ones…as long as our priorities are straight and our hearts are right with God…but that is between you and Him.

But I am not here to talk about all the other holidays on our yearly calendar. I am here to talk about my favorite holiday: The 4th of July. I want to show you WHY it is my favorite holiday. I want to shed some light on a few perspectives you may never have thought of before; to show you just how deep its roots go into the Bible and the God thereof…and how, despite what we may have originally thought, or continue to think…this is NOT a secular holiday!

The Nation of Israel vs The American Nation

When I was around thirteen, I was having my daily Bible reading…my mind blanks at this point on which book I was reading at the time, but I was studying the nation of Israel in the old Testament. While I don’t remember the exact story I was reading, the thought that struck my mind is all too well engrained in my memory: How like the nation of Israel is our nation of the United States!

This thought only became more confirmed in my mind as the years passed…as if I needed any more reminders that history repeats itself! The older I got, the more I observed and the more involved I became with politics…the more parallels I began to see between the two nations.

I bet every one of us could think of a time we were reading about all the times Israel backslid or forgot about God and His power, and wondered how they got there after everything they had seen Him do? Some of us might have even rolled our eyes and thought: I would never do that if I had seen the things they had! I know I had those thoughts from time to time. But God was always right there to remind me.

It’s easy to think we would know better in retrospect; when we know the whole story and are looking at it in third person. But if we step back, put it into perspective and look at our personal lives, and the path of this nation over the years…I believe we would see a very different story. We would see just how alike we are…just how much we can backslide or what we can forget in so short a time.

From the very beginning of Israel, God did many wonders before their eyes:

In the days of Joseph He saved them from famine:

“And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.” – Genesis 45:7

In the time of Moses He delivered them from the bonds of slavery through many wonders and plagues, yet protected them, parted the Red Sea and stopped Pharaoh’s army, guided them by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, fed and watered them all the days they were in the wilderness, defeated their enemies and brought them into the land of promise:

“Marvelous things He did in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. He divided the sea and caused them to pass through; and He made the waters stand up like a heap. In the daytime also He led them with the cloud, and all the night with a light of fire. He split the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink in abundance like the depths. He also brought streams out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.” -Psalm 78:12-16 (see also Psalm 106)

Then came Joshua and the Judges. Joshua led them across the Jordan river, again on dry land. They watched as the great city of Jericho literally crumbled before their eyes, and all their enemies were defeated:

“So the LORD gave to Israel all the land of which He had sword to give to their fathers, and they took possession of it and dwelt in it. The LORD gave them rest all around, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers. And not a man of all their enemies stood against them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD has spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.” -Joshua 21:43-45

Yet, just a short time later…all that God had done for this people, a nation no one thought of any consequence, was all forgotten…

“When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel.” -Judges 2:10

Now I know you are probably wondering, What has all this to do with us? We are not Israel…how has this anything to do with what America has done and become? Well…I am glad you asked!

Prior to the American Revolution, we were just 13 insignificant little colonies. Under the rule of the King of England, we weren’t much of a threat…no one paid us much mind. Until one day…one day when a few men rose up to answer God’s call.

“There are instances of, I would say, an almost astonishing Providence in our favor; our success has staggered our enemies, and almost given faith to infidels; so that we may truly say it is not our own arm which has saved us.” -Samuel Adams, American Independence, August 1776

“And, brethren and fellow-countrymen, if it was ever granted to mortals to trace the designs of Providence, and interpret its manifestations in favor of their cause, we may, with humility of soul, cry out “Not unto us, not unto us, nut to Thy Name be the praise.” The confusion of the devices among our enemies, and the rage of the elements against them, have done almost as much toward our success as either our councils or our arms.” -Samuel Adams, American Independence, August 1776

“We were quite defenceless. Without arms, without ammunition, without clothing, without ships, without money, without officers skilled in war; with no other reliance but the bravery of our people and the justice of our cause. We had to contend with a nation great in arts and in arms, whose fleets covered the ocean, whose banners had waved in triumph through every quarter of the globe.” -An Address of the Congress, to the Inhabitants of the United States of America, May 8th, 1778

Against impossible odds. Thirteen small colonies, who had no army, ships, or even food or clothes, stood against the greatest country and military of that time. While the British were well trained and had more cannons, troops and ammunition, the Americans were a ragtag bunch of farmers and commoners…all volunteers…and they came out the victors. Who but God could have pulled off such an outcome?

Yet this victory did not come without a cost. They endured many a defeat, lost many patriots, faced starvation and disease that took many lives, lost their fortunes, families and reputations. Through it all, they persevered…and held on to their belief that they alone could not win this fight, but a Higher Power was fighting for them.

“But our dependence was not upon man. It was upon Him, who hath commanded us to love our enemies and to render good for evil. And what can be more wonderful than the manner of our deliverance? How often have we been reduced to distress, and yet been raised up? When the means to prosecute the war have been wanting to us, have not our foes themselves been rendered instrumental in providing them? This hath been done in such a variety of instances, so peculiarly marked almost by the direct interposition of Providence, that not to feel and acknowledge His protection, would be the height of impious ingratitude. At length that God of battles, in whom was our trust, hath conducted us through the paths of danger and distress, to the thresholds of security, it hath now become morally certain, that, if we have courage to persevere, we shall establish our liberties and independence. Yet do not believe that you have been saved merely by your own strength. No! it is by the assistance of Heaven; and this you must assiduously cultivate, by acts which Heaven approves.” -An Address of the Congress, to the Inhabitants of the United States of America, May 8th, 1778

And George Washington, himself, never lost faith…nor did he cease to petition his Lord for guidance and deliverance. His example was enough to convince a man, Isaac Potts, to switch parties (from Tory to Whig):

“It was a most distressing time, and all were for giving up the Ship but that great and good man [Washington]. In the woods I heard a plaintive sound, as of a man at prayer, I tied my horse to a sapling and went quietly into the woods and to my astonishment, I saw the great George Washington on his knees alone, with his sword on one side and his cocked hat on the other. He was at Prayer to the God of the Armies, beseeching to interpose with His Divine aid, as it was ye Crisis, and the cause of the country, of humanity and of the world. Such a prayer I never heard from the lips of man, I left him alone praying. I went home and told my wife…We never thought a man could be a soldier and a Christian, but if there is one in the world, it is Washington. She was astonished. We thought it the cause of God, and America could prevail.” – An Account by Isaac Potts, as recorded in the diary of Reverend Nathaniel Randolph Snowden

This is an example of the light that shone from the birth of this nation. To be different. To shine for the glory of her God to all who see.

~

The nation of Israel was supposed to be a light to all other nations. Set apart for God. He chose them for some mighty works, and through them the Messiah would come to the world. In times of darkness and trial they turn full hearts to God, calling out to Him to heal and restore…in times of plenty of pleasure they forgot Him and became cocky in their own “power”.

We, too, were supposed to be a light to the rest of the world. A beacon of hope, freedom and the power of God to all who could see, and for every generation on earth until the end of time. Like Israel, once thought so insignificant and easily squashed, we rose from the shadows; and by the mighty hand of God, performing the impossible, we accomplished what no one thought a possibility…and became one of the greatest and most feared and respected nations in history. Yet, also like the nation of Israel, we, too, have forgotten our past and the wonders performed by the mighty hand of our God Who brought us out of bondage.

Our Day of Remembrance

Throughout the Old Testament, from the time the Lord brought them up out of bondage in Egypt, Israel was constantly commanded to remember where they came from. Remember what the Lord did for them. And remember to teach their children so that upcoming generations would never forget.

“This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast.” Exodus 12:14

“…that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them up out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 23:43

“Then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” Deuteronomy 6:12

“And Joshua said to them, ‘Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel,  that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’  then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.’ ” Joshua 4:5-7

“That these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, in every clan, province, and city, and that these days of Purim should never fall into disuse among the Jews, nor should the commemoration of these days cease among their descendants.” Esther 9:28

They had many feasts and celebrations to observe each year as a remembrance of their past…so that they may never forget their God, nor turn from obeying His law. Perhaps the most popular day of remembrance, the one specifically mentioned being celebrated all the way up to the crucifixion of Christ, is the Passover Feast…the night the Angel of the Lord passed through Egypt, striking down the firstborn of all Egypt, but passing over children of Israel.

“For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you. And you shall observe this thing as an ordinance for you and your sons forever.” -Exodus 12:23-24

This day, July 4th, is our day of remembrance. A day we remember all that this same God did for our nation. A day where we tell our children and grandchildren why we are the nation we are today. Every generation of Americans should know how we got here, how it is they came to reap the benefits they have…just as Israel was commanded.

“In the beginning of the conquest with Great Britain, when we were sensible to danger, we had daily prayer in this room for Divine protection…Our prayers, Sirs, were heard, and they were graciously answered… Have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth-that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, Sir in the Sacred Writing, that ‘except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel.” -Benjamin Franklin, The Constitutional Convention 1787

“It is not every country (perhaps there is not another in the world) that can boast so fair an origin… America need never be ashamed to tell her birth, nor relate the stages by which she rose to empire…None ever began with a fairer than America and none can be under a greater obligation to preserve it.” -Thomas Paine, The American Crisis

“Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day [the Fourth of July]? Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer’s mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity?” -John Quincy Adams,  Fourth of July speech at Newburyport, Massachusetts, 1837

“It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” -John Adams, to his wife Abigail

These men believed that the Fourth of July should be a religious holiday – a day when we remembered God’s hand in deliverance. When we committed ourselves to Him in “solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” THIS was the spirit of the American Revolution as seen through the eyes of those who led it…and THIS is how this day should be viewed by the citizens of this great nation. A day of solemn remembrance of our history: where we came from, how we got here, and Who’s hand delivered us and raised us up to be the nation we are today.

This is OUR day to recall the awesome works of God in our nation and to remember with solemn humility that without Him in our nation…we would cease, and everything we hoped to be would be no more.

Conclusion: For All Generations to Come

In order to preserve liberty, we must first understand the foundations on which the country was built and preserve the principles on which it was founded. We cannot let the purpose for which we were established be forgotten and the torch passed to us by our Founding Fathers go out! It MUST be remembered.

It is very easy to forget…far easier than to remember. But we must be diligent! In the space of ONE generation, Israel fell away from the Lord and did evil…and, just like good little children, we are following in their footsteps. In just between my parents’ generation and mine I can see the difference. My generation has become ignorant, entitled and weak…the very opposite of what we should be.

“An enlightened people will not easily be brought under despotism.  They will foresee and prevent the evil.  Great attention should therefore be paid to the education of youth, to the culture and diffusion of knowledge, and to the means of public information. ‘Righteousness exalts a nation.’ To preserve our liberty and independence, and to increase our importance and respectability, we must attend to the interest of virtue, as well as knowledge.  This we must promote in our private station, while we expect that our rulers pursue it in their larger sphere.  Industry, frugality, temperance, justice, benevolence and peaceableness, are virtues, in every nature, essential to the happiness of every community.  The promotion of these in smaller societies, will spread and strengthen their influence in the nation at large.” -Joseph Lathrop, The Happiness of a Free Government and the Means of Preserving it, A Sermon delivered on July 4th, 1794

If a generation does not step forward to teach their children diligently about God and His word, how to think rightly and think and learn for themselves; if they do not teach them to love and honor this country, to be proud of our heritage and to stand by the principles upon which it was established; if they are not taught to preserve history, freedom, truth and light…then we WILL lose it, and we cannot be surprised at the domino effect it will have. For our future generations will be like the generation after Joshua’s:

“When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel. Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD…” Judges 2:10-11a

Why is July 4th my favorite holiday? Because it is a chance. A chance to make a difference. A chance to not only celebrate our freedom, but to truly reflect on what that means; a chance to teach our children, grandchildren…and even friends or strangers we meet on the family picnic or fireworks display…what this great nation means, how we got here, the truth about the principles upon which we were built, and how our God had a hand in it all. For as Benjamin Franklin said to his colleagues at the Constitutional Convention:

“Have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we no longer need His assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth-that God governs in the affairs of men.”

This nation would not have been possible without God’s almighty hand of deliverance. Without God’s design, there would be no freedom. Without God’s hand on those men, giving them wisdom and guidance, we would not have the most unique government in the world: a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Without God we would experience none of the benefits of this country we love and enjoy. As long as God is her foundation she will not fall.

Christians, let this day be our reminder: we must preserve our foundations…for the generations to come!