(a non-political view)
An article published in the American Political Science Review in 1984, entitled "The Relative Influence of European Writers on Late 18th. Century American Political Thought".
The authors examined 15,000 writings of the framers of the US Constitution. (newspaper articles, pamphlets, books, etc.) Looking for who influenced these men the most.
They found that 34% of all direct quotes used by these (practicing Christian) men were from the Bible!!! In other words, the Bible (the content of the Bible) was an enormous contribution to the thought process AND the eventual framing of the American Constitution!
Of all the books of the Bible ... which = most quoted? Answer: by far, the book of Deuteronomy!
Why? why not the teachings of Jesus? writings of Paul? New Testament?
Answer found in the story, history, background of Deuteronomy.
Example: Exodus to Mt. Sinai (received the Law) to Kadesh Barnea, spying out the land, refusal of people to take the land... therefore 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.
Deuteronomy = next generation and Moses emphatically instructing them in what will be required of them to become a NATION!!
Compare after the Revolutionary War ... Question: will the 13 colonies remain as such or become 1 nation?
IF SO, what form of Federal government?
One that (1) protects freedoms
(2) promotes prosperity for all
(3) wins God's favor
So..... founding fathers looked at many sources .. which included
(1) the Bible generally
(2) Deuteronomy specifically
(3) Deuteronomy 8 especially. Deut. 8:1-20
Deuteronomy can be confusing (if don't know historical setting), BUT 2 things should stand out:
#1. The Parallel between them (then) and Us (now)
#2. The repeated use of certain words, phrases" - "Remember" - 16x
- "Don't forget" - 9x
- "Be Careful (not to forget)" - 35x
These commands, warnings emphasized 60 times!!!
Application:
(1) original = to Israel 3500 years ago.
(2) founding fathers - saw parallel - believed in eternal significance of scripture, therefore looked for wisdom, guidance 245 years ago.
(3) Still contains (same) wisdom, guidance for us! TODAY!!
This is a a message to us as individuals - not to nation as a whole.
So... How to support your Nation, Patriotic Responsibilities
(a non-political view ... from Deuteronomy)
#1. Remember where you came from!! Deut. 15:15 - Application for Israel, USA, you personally!!
#2. Remember who brought you here Deut. 8:2
by grace ... born in the USA ..... in the 21st century
... called, wooed, saved
#3. Remember who gives you resources and abilities Deut. 8:17-18 - as a nation. as an individual
If you are doing well, it's byt he grace of God who gave these things to you.
#4. Remember to thank and praise Him - Deut. 8:10, 12-14 - Active praise
2 notes here: (a) blessings can lead to a curse!! example: Solomon
(b) this calls for more than a grateful heart!!! It = active praise and thanksgiving.
#5. Remember to keep His commands - Deut. 28:1-2,13
On on hand, Not obligated to the rituals and civil laws
However, ARE obligated to the moral laws therein. Moral laws are unchanging.
#6. Remember to teach your children - Deut. 6:6-9
On one hand, they make their own choices.
However, give them material to Make a choice!!!
#7. Remember to assemble - Deut. 31:10-13
We need ... (A.) the challenges and teachings of God's word
(B.) the Presence of one another - "we're better together" - We can help one another, encourage one another, etc.
Summary: Deut. 29:9
Closing Scripture: Heb. 2:1
No comments:
Post a Comment