Duty with Dependence

“Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual. Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us.” 
— John Hancock, 1st Signer of the Declaration of Independence

Independence Day, for many Americans, is synonymous with grilled meat, baked beans, potato salad, lawn chairs and fireworks. Perhaps a watermelon thrown in for good measure.

While celebrating in such a fashion is certainly enjoyable, Independence Day is meant to remind us of our hard-fought liberation from oppression. Without the valiant effort of many — both in thought and deed — and a keen awareness of justice in God’s eyes, where would we be?

The baton was passed to us by Hancock, and others, to continue to fight on behalf of the oppressed. He considered it a duty, Christian and social. And he urged us to resist tyranny with a proper sense of our dependence on God.

In the wake of this year’s celebration, we would do well to remember that while we sat comfortably in the back yard, indulging in feast of burgers and brownies, there are still many the world over who live under a yoke of oppression — without freedom or food.

God, even more than Hancock, charges us to stand against the injustices of our world. We must do so in obedience and with humble dependence, persevering until Jesus returns to liberate us unto the Father Himself.

Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. — Isaiah 1:17 ESV