A little over a half century ago, at the height of anti-Communist fervor, Congress added the words “under God” to our Pledge of Allegiance in an attempt to link patriotism and religion, clearly distinguishing the United States of America from its number one cold war enemy, those “godless” Soviets! Now, over the years, and after many repetitive declarations, this phrase has become part of American life, just like the words ”In God We Trust” on our coins and ”God bless America” uttered by presidential candidates and politicians at the end of important speeches.
However, in June of 2002, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in California ruled 2 to 1 that those words in our pledge violate the First Amendment, which says that ”Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” The majority sided with Michael Newdow, who complained that his daughter was injured when forced to listen to public school teachers lead students daily in a pledge that includes the assertion that there is a God. However, the assertion “under God” is not a violation of the First Amendment establishment clause as some have suggested.
While this case, and others like it are way off the radar screen in the pantheon of First Amendment cases that have followed, no one really wants to honestly consider the lie and/or religion that’s perpetuated if “under God” is disallowed or removed. What are the impending consequences for a nation/people who willfully and purposefully refuse to acknowledge its/their appointed, preordained position, place, standing, rank, or status? The wisest man in the world clearly expresses God’s heart on this issue in Proverbs 14:34:
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
Certainly it’s sin . . . absolute rebellion, for a nation or people to decide they are not “under God.” God’s prophet, Isaiah was told to, “Cry loudly” against such people, “Do not hold back; Raise your voice like a trumpet and declare to My people their transgression.” (See Isaiah 58:1) In contrast, the nation of Israel was instructed by the Lord in Deuteronomy 28:1-2:
Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God.
Ultimately every believer, and in reality, every American, must both ask and answer questions concerning the reason/purpose for this nation’s initial formation and continued existence, and in so doing must incontestably recognize:
1) God raised up Israel to be a witness to the world of the one true and living God.
Deuteronomy 4:6-8 – So keep and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the Lord our God whenever we call on Him? Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?
2) God establishes and removes nations according to His will/purposes.
Daniel 2:21 – It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding.
Acts 17:26 – And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation.
Romans 13:1 – For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
3) God, in His sovereign dominion governs and convenes over all nations and people.
Psalm 22:28 – For the kingdom is the Lord’s and He rules over the nations.
Psalms 47:8 – “God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne.
Psalms 66:6 – He rules by His might forever; His eyes keep watch on the nations; Let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
Psalms 82:8 – Arise, O God, judge the earth! For it is You who possesses all the nations.
Therefore as we approach the birthday of our “One nation under God”, please dutifully consider, as David Manuel and Peter Marshall asked in their book, “The Light And The Glory” (a must read for every true Christian in America), “Did God have a plan for America?” If yes, was it to be free people “under God” who would boldly share/shine His light/truth and bring Him honor/glory? If one answers yes to that, then honestly contemplate the state of our nation. Have we receded, becoming as those mentioned in Psalms 135:15?
The idols of the nations are but silver and gold, the work of man’s hands.
As we celebrate our nation and freedom this July 4th, may we as one nation acknowledge our exact and proper position/place/standing/rank/status under the one true God while never forgetting the warning and promise found in Jeremiah 18:7-10!
At one moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to uproot, to pull down, or to destroy it; if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent concerning the calamity I planned to bring on it. Or at another moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to build up or to plant it; if it does evil in My sight by not obeying My voice, then I will think better of the good with which I had promised to bless it.
Grace, peace, hope, and freedom for all through Christ Jesus– Pastor Frank