THANKFUL

Unless the Lord God is the chief architect of the house, man’s efforts are futile.

—Psalm 127:1 (King Jimmy Translation)

Celebrating the Fourth of July

Our country’s birthday is celebrated every July 4^th, in remembrance of when we declared our independence from Britain in 1776. Folks will cookout, maybe shoot off fireworks, or spend the day at the lake. Few know that a mere eleven years later, in 1787, the new nation was on the brink of falling apart. Let me explain.

The First Continental Congress [Philadelphia Congress], met in 1774. Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers, summoned delegates from the thirteen colonies to discuss the colonies possible responses to the tax abuses by the Crown [British rule] imposed on the colonies, mainly the Providence of Massachusetts, for its role in the Boston Tea Party. This congress was divided between those loyal to the Crown and those wanting to break away and declare independence.

By the time the second Continental Congress met on July 2, 1776, the Crown’s harsher mandates on the colonies drove them to formulate a declaration for independence from Britain. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was unanimously approved and famously signed. Thus, the birth of United State of America. This congress wrote the Articles of Confederation, which governed the new country through the Revolutionary War. The congress, now called the Congress of the Confederation, met from 1781 to 1789.

After the war, the articles were insufficient to unify the new country, since each state had its own agenda. The threat that the new country would unravel so soon after such a valiant effort of blood, toil, and sacrifice would be a tragedy of freedom.

In May of 1787, the congress met in Philadelphia to make amendments to the Articles of Confederation, attempting to unify the nation. Delegates disagreed on many issues, as the northern states had sharp disputes with the southern states. Gridlock brought the convention to a halt.

History labels 250 men as the Founding Fathers. Some are well known, while others remain footnotes in history. However, they shared one common virtue: they were religious men who deeply honored the Bible.

Although well respected, Benjamin Franklin ranked near the top of the least religious of the Founding Fathers. During the proceedings, he sat patiently, observing the debates, noting the

constant bickering and disrespect shown toward one another. Does this sound familiar? Finally, he had enough of this nonsense.

In his only recorded speech at the Constitutional convention, Franklin put things in perspective. Listen to his words of wisdom from a man not remembered for his perfect Sunday school attendance.

 “Gentlemen, in this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were, in the dark to find political truth, and scare able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights, to illuminate our understanding?

“In the beginning of the conquest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers were heard, and they were graciously answered.

“All of us engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor. And now have we forgotten this 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 the affairs of men.

“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 in the Sacred Writings that ‘except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain to build it. I firmly believe this; and I also believe without His concurring we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel, and we shall become a reproach and a byword down to future ages.

“I therefore beg leave to move that, henceforth, prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven and on our deliberations, be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business.”

After Franklin’s speech, Congress took a three-day break to seek God’s wisdom. They returned after praying, to wordsmith and finalize the greatest document of freedom the world has known: The Constitution of the United State. It was sent to the states for ratification.

Franklin, like all people at that time, was raised studying the Bible. It was the primary textbook in the schools. Because of his Bible understanding, Franklin may have saved the Republic.

Eleven years earlier, in that same hall in Philadelphia, the Founding Fathers called on God daily. After their victory against the British Crown, they grew lax in calling upon God. As a result, they fell into chaos and bickering. Again—sound familiar?

On July 8, 1788 the new constitution is put into place of the United States of America.

On March 2, 1789, the Continental Congress held its last meeting at Fraunces Tavern in New York.

On March 4, 1789, the First Congress of the United States began at Federal Hall in Philadelphia.

On April 30, 1789 George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States.

Current-day naysayers dishonor our founding fathers, falsely labeling them as bigots or racists. They had their flaws, as we all do, but when imperfect people humble themselves and call upon a perfect God, he moves in miracle ways. Although we are an imperfect people, we are still the greatest nation in history. We are exceptional because we were founded on godly principles and God’s word, with his blessings. Accept nothing less.

Lord, we thank you for the blessings of living in America. We love our country and pray, that as a nation, we repent and return to you and seek your guidance. May we continually call on you.

 Stay close to Jesus

Jimmy

P.S. History reveals Congress voted to move from Fraunces Traven in New York to Philadelphia because they had better cheese steak sandwiches.

Jimmy Eskew © 2017