Declaration is Just the Beginning

"The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned."  (Matthew 4:16)

Our text is the Great "Declaration of Independence" of the "Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ."  It is for all humanity, for all who will surrender their independence to dependence in and upon Jesus Christ.  This "Kingdom Declaration" has held out great hope and inspiration to all freedom loving and freedom seeking people throughout history; hence, the celebration today in the United States of America.  But the history of the United States teaches us an important lesson.

The Fourth of July, 1776, was just the "declaration of independence."  The battle to secure that "independence" took 8 years.  It is easy to "declare" a thing.  It is quite another to secure a "thing."  The "Treaty of Paris" sealed the independence of the United States of America from British rule.  But it was not the final battle for freedom and "independence"-- 1812, 1836-1848, 1861-1865, 1898, 1917-1918, 1941-1945, 1950-1953, 1959-1975, 1990-1991, 2003.... and the battle for freedom continues.  

I hear much today in the Christian Community about "declaring."  Okay.  But remember that your "declarations" will be contested throughout this life.  The final victory was assured in the Cross of Christ, and the words, "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said."  We should continue to "declare" the Words of God and our freedom and "independence" from the "kingdom of darkness."  But if history teaches anything, it teaches that there are "many dangers, toils, and snares" in this life to overcome.  But the obedient in Jesus Christ can take heart--- "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our faith."

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You so much for the United States of America.  May the nations be a manifestation of Your "kingdom of light."  Amen.




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