The flags of freedom

"So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free." John 8:36 NLT

On this Independence Day, you might notice the increased amount of American flags proudly on display as you head out for your morning run. And if you've chosen to participate in a 4th of July race, you might even see a few runners proudly carrying our nation’s banner as they make their way to the finish line. With that in mind, you could safely say then that most Americans are still pretty proud of that 'ole flag.’ And with good reason! You see, 'Old Glory' represents the day our country's founders declared independence and freedom from Great Britain. Did you realize, though, that each part of our flag stands for something? The 50 stars stand for our 50 states and the 13 stripes for the 13 British colonies that declared their independence on July 4, 1776. The colors also stand for something. The white vertical stripes signify purity and innocence, the red hardiness and valour and the blue vigilance, perseverance and justice.

Did you know that there is another flag that should be put proudly on display too? It's the Christian flag which represents the day you and I, because of Jesus' sacrifice, became “truly free" from the power of sin and darkness. The shade of red on the cross symbolizes the blood that Jesus shed on Calvary. The blue canton represents the waters of baptism as well as the faithfulness of Jesus, and the white represents Jesus' purity. Regardless of their differences in appearance though, both of these flags represent and stand for the principle by which this great country was formed... “One nation under God.”

John Adams, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, also believed the United States was to always be “One nation under God.” And in a letter to his wife regarding this day wrote, "It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” And I couldn’t agree more my friend. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for setting us free from the yoke of slavery and the bonds of tyranny. My solemn prayer is that this country would raise the white flag of surrender and celebrate our freedom every day with solemn acts of devotion to you, the God Almighty. May we once again be known as"one nation, under God" as we wave our white flags in total surrender. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

White Flag - Chris Tomlin