This July 4th our country turns 250 years old. It’s an exciting time for our country. As a Christian it is always good to be thankful for all the things God provides for you in your life. One of the things Luther included in his thanks for daily bread was not just food and drink, or house and home, but “good government”. And we are lucky to have not just a stable government but one that allows us the free exercise of religion.

That is why we pray for our country, our President, and our Leaders no matter what year it is. And no matter who is in charge of our country. And we should give thanks to God that our Country has lasted for 250 years. And we should be thankful to the people who gave their lives that our nation would not perish from the earth.

As old as our Country is, we should remind ourselves also that we are citizens of another country. A country whose builders are not soldiers and rebels. Whose leader is not a president. And one that is not governed by men. We are also citizens of an eternal kingdom in Heaven. One built by the nails of Jesus’ cross. One that he rules while sitting at the right hand of his Father.

I do look forward to celebrating our Nation’s birthday every Year. I look forward to the fireworks and the parades. I also look more forward to seeing God’s eternal kingdom with my own eyes.

Happy Birthday America!

Rev. Jacob Stuenkel