What Nation so Great?

Deuteronomy 4:7 – “For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?”

The nation of Israel is truly a miracle story. From its beginning with Abraham’s call, the occupation of Canaan, the Egyptian bondage and deliverance, the dividing of the Red Sea and crossing of the Jordan River, displacement in Babylon, and the command of Cyrus to return, theirs is a record of divine involvement. Israel witnessed the direct involvement of God in so many of their military exploits. They were entrusted with the oracles, or commandments, of God. The Messiah would come to the world through the nation of Israel. There is no “nation . . . so great” as the nation of Israel.

Having said that, we also realize that we dwell in a truly great nation that has enjoyed God’s special involvement in our history. On this date in 1776, our nation declared her independence. We love our country, and say there is no “nation . . . so great” as this great nation we call America. This great nation has stood as a bastion for freedom, a refuge for the distressed, and a friend of those who wish to reject tyranny and oppression. God has been good to America.

We are confident that we owe these blessings in part to our godly heritage. In stating their grievances in The Declaration of Independence, the signers were “appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world.” James Madison was once quoted as saying, “The future and success of America is not in this Constitution, but in the laws of God upon which this Constitution is founded.” Benjamin Rush, signer of the Declaration of Independence, was asked, “Are you a democrat or an aristocrat?” He answered, “I am neither. I am a Christocrat. I believe He, alone, who created and redeemed man is qualified to govern him.”

It is a great privilege to be a citizen of the United States of America. We should be thankful for the freedoms that we enjoy. We should be grateful for the protection we have been afforded. We should be committed to upholding the principles on which this nation was founded. We should be prayerful for a true spiritual awakening and a revival of righteousness in our country. What nation is there so great as this great nation we call home?