On July 4, we celebrate America’s Independence Day. America will be 249 years old on this day. Our fight for freedom cost many lives, but also created a resolve within the people to stand up for what is right and just. Let’s take a look.
Independence Day: The Fight to be Free
The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. At this moment, the colonies stood up to imperial rule and fought for independence from England. The American Rebels declared war on England, arguably the strongest nation in Europe then. Initially, this seemed to be a mismatch, but England underestimated the resolve of the men and women of the colonies, who were eager to win their freedom. England’s strengths, i.e., naval dominance, global reach, and economic power, ultimately were no match for the colonists’ resolve.
The first battle for freedom happened on April 19, 1775, in Lexington, Massachusetts. British troops were ordered to seize colonial weapons in the city of Concord. Colonial militia stood up to the British, who ordered them to disperse. The British opened fire, and eight militiamen were killed. This led to Paul Revere’s ride warning the colonists along the road to Concord that “The British are Coming.” Ironically, Revere never made it to Concord as British troops captured him. Samuel Prescott, who rode with Revere, did make it to Concord to warn the colonial leaders.
The End of the Revolutionary War
The last major battle of the Revolutionary War was the Battle of Yorktown. On October 19, 1781, George Washington and the Continental Army attacked General Cornwallis in Yorktown, eventually capturing Cornwallis and seven thousand British troops. There were minor skirmishes after the Battle of Yorktown, but this was ultimately the last decisive victory of the war. The war officially ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
Jesus and their Faith Greatly influenced the Colonials!
One battle was for a nation, while the other was a sacrifice for all humanity. Colonial leaders were deeply influenced by their Christian faith, paralleling their struggles with Jesus’ sacrifice and His sacred ministry:
- Many colonial leaders used biblical language and Christian symbolism in their writings and speeches.
- The colonists declared, “No King but King Jesus,” as a rallying cry of spiritual allegiance to God over a worldly monarchy.
- The colonists viewed themselves as the “new Israel,” escaping oppression as the Israelites had escaped Pharaoh.
- Colonists declared the war as “divine providence.” To them, this was a moral war sanctioned by God.
The article “No King but King Jesus, A Declaration Worth Remembering This July 4” spoke of Ben Franklin’s call to prayer at the Constitutional Convention:
“Then, on June 28, Benjamin Franklin—who was not known for evangelical faith—rose and spoke:
“I have lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in 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?“
National Archives Source
He called for a pause and an appeal to heaven.”
Have a happy and safe July 4th Independence Day! Please share your thoughts on this article in the “Comments” section.
Peace
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