07/05/2024
The Kingdom of God: A Independence Day Reflection
In 1 Samuel 8, the people of God rejected Samuel as their prophet and turned away from a True Theocracy by insisting on having an earthy king…
Having a king would have many consequences for the people of Israel. In verses 10-18, under the inspiration of God, Samuel lists resources that a king would “Take” (laqakh) from them due to man’s wickedness and the absence of God’s voice. This choice eventually led to a divided kingdom, exile, and oppression. More directly, the people of Israel lost the ability to have life, Liberty (own property), and the pursuit of happiness. All things now belonged to the Monarch: property and power…
From that moment onward, the people of God (Jews and Gentiles) have experienced different forms of governmental oppression all because of the initial choice of wanting a king.
This vicious cycle of government abuse came to the New World through the Establishment of Jamestown in 1607. Bacon’s Rebellion shows tensions between Government officials and citizens. After years of Salutary Neglect, the Crown ended the policy, reverting to unreasonable taxation, abuse, and rights infringement. For the next few years, colonists would experience waves of oppression from the King.
The colonists, led by a few “rebels” called the Founding Fathers, understood that they would have to separate from the King to live a life with God-given unalienable rights. The framers knew that to live a life of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness, they would need to be free. Thus, the Declaration of Independence was written. It was a peaceful protest against the abuse of power.
As they revolted (in a war many believed was fought on Biblical Support), these founders understood that a monarchy was not best; the Constitutional Republic would best honor the newly formed United States of America.
Today, we face similar situations… Resistance and Restlessness. Ultimately, the absence of God brings unrest spiritually, politically, emotionally, and physically. No matter what form of government we are in, if God is not at the center, we will fall.
The body must do what the framers did and what Jefferson notes, “ Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions.”
As a Church, we must reject the earthly kingdom and let His Kingdom reign. We must turn to God, humble ourselves, repent, and allow Him to correct our behavior… So that He may bring Justice, Righteousness, Liberty, and Independence…
