Today we celebrate Independence day.
John Adams in a letter to his wife Abigail writes this:
"the second day of July, 1776, will be most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as great anniversary and festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to almighty God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."
John Adams presumed the 2nd of July, 1776, was going to be the day of celebration for this was the day the Second Continental Congress passed the resolution of independence; it was on July 4th, the declaration of independence took place. However, most of those who signed the Declaration of Independence, did not do so until August 2, 1776.
Nonetheless there are two important points.
One is that the resolution of Independence was prior to the actual Declaration. A resolve was necessary but it wasn't enough. We do not celebrated the resolve of Independence but we celebrated the act of declaration.
Secondly, John Adams in his letter points out that this day should be commemorated as a day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God. In actuality, the day of independence is recognized primarily as a day of dependence on God, who delivers, acknowledging His presence and His action that enabled the resolve to be carried forth.
The display of lights, fireworks, pomp and parade, and all the rest comes after one acknowledges the true source of deliverance, with a solemn act of devotion, a simple 'thank you' will do.
Notice, John Adams doesn't say that it is a day of Independence, but a day of deliverance.
We are never truly independent. In our present society the greatest lie is to believe that independence is to be had.
It is Ironic that in today's gospel Jesus calls forth Matthew to 'follow' him. Jesus ask us to be independent from independence if we are truly to be disciples that are set free. God does not want us to be free from influence or guidance, but rather He wants to free us so that he might influence and guide us.
"Come, follow me." These are the truest words of deliverance, a deliverance from the false notion of independence, a deliverance that keeps us dependent in all the right ways.
Today as the fireworks shoot off, as the pomp and parade continue forth, celebrate your dependence on God, be independent from independence and let the truth set you free.
Follow Jesus and let the illumination begin and the darkness of independence scattered forever more.
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