Memorial Day
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” These words so close to the hearts of all true patriots, begin the second paragraph of the American Declaration of Independence. But, we must not attribute their origins solely to Thomas Jefferson, for these words of Wawrayniec Goslicki, a Polish Philosopher whose writings were to be found in Jefferson’s library.” – Carl L. Bucki
Poles, brothers in the pursuit of freedom struggled for independence from Prussia, Russia and Austria. Not only did we share ideals, we shared heroes as well.
Tadusz Kosiuzko was a hero of the American War of Independence, a
cadet of the Military Adcademy in Warsaw and a nomination for colonel
in the American army in 1776. Filled with hope for a free Poland,
Kosiuzko returned to Poland to fight for freedom again. In 1794, he led
an armed rebellion that failed against Russia’s stronger and more
organized troops. (Have to throw some Polish history in!)
All men are created equal. Troops all over the world fight for this self-evident truth. Not all win. I am thankful for our country and those who have sacrificed for our freedoms, from the Puritans to the revolutionaries. We believe that we are special, unique. loved by the Creator and created to do good works. Our country is unique in that way. WE believe. Yes, some say we are in a post-Christian nation. This may be true, but there are a lot of ‘we believers’ in the foundation of this country. Think of the foundations of leadership in other countries, Czars, Caesars, Pharaohs, Tyrants, Kings with self-worship in mind. Countries that were founded on backs of the people for the benefit of the rulers do not have the foundational belief that all are equal. There are countries with caste systems and countries where leaders play video games and eat until they are satiated while their people starve, falling over dead in the streets.
I do not worship my country, I worship God, but history tells us what God can do with leaders in the most heathen and pagan countries. Pharaoh’s heart was turned. Nebuchadnezzar turned and worshiped the Lord. When his heart turned towards himself, God turned him into a animal-like creature. When Saul persecuted the early Christians, Jesus met him on the road to Damascus and gave him new spiritual eyes. He went on the spread the Gospel and write two-thirds of the new Testament. After Saul’s conversion, Acts reports:
“So the church throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, and was edified [growing in wisdom, virtue and piety] and walking in the respect and reverential fear of the Lord and in the consolation and exhortation of the Holy Spirit, continued to increase and was multiplied.” Acts 9:31
What truths are self-evident to us? Are we praying for our leaders because we believe He can change them? Do we believe He is big enough? Do we pray for our military because we believe their sacrifices were worth it? What they are fighting for is genuine? God can grow His church because of or in spite of the current administration as long as we humble ourselves and pray with authority and believe. He can overthrow kings, calm the weather (a biggie to pray for this season), bring the warriors home, shut the mouth of lions, raise the dead, part the sea, raise the dead dry bones. Are we believing that God can grow the church despite the current government and culture?
“If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave,and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land”- II Chronicles 2:14
For all those in the armed forces and those who sacrificed their lives:
A special thanks to:
Colonel Edward Vincent Allen