“This pledge is a good reminder, not only that we are one nation under God, but that we are called to strive for liberty and justice for all. ””
As we approach the 4th of July, I want to wish all of you a happy and safe celebration.
As a kid in San Jose, CA, I loved the small fireworks boxes my Dad would purchase, and we’d all have a good time, together with all the neighborhood kids, seeing the Fountains and hearing the Piccolo Pete’s. My friends and I would always find a way to get our hands on a couple of packs of firecrackers, too.
I still recall with fondness my elementary school days, as every morning at the beginning of class, we would all stand, place our hands on our hearts, face the flag, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.”
This pledge is a good reminder, not only that we are one nation under God, but that we are called to strive for liberty and justice for all. Clearly, we don’t get it right all of the time. Yet this pledge is a call to continue to hold up and live out our marching orders of each person’s right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In a world where there is much division, the commands of God in the Old Testament, and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, call us to lift one another up, not tear each other down. God knows that unity rather than division makes for a much healthier life together.
In our New Testament Reading, we are in the second of six weeks in the gospel of John. For this weekend’s worship, please read chapters six through ten. I’ll be preaching on a portion of chapter ten.
God’s continued blessings and I’ll see you in worship.
Pastor Tim
