Today’s Thought “Preeminence Displaced” G. Ward

“So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” Acts 24:16

Written in 1892, adopted by Congress in 1942 and in 1954 the term “under God” was added. What is it? It’s the Pledge of Allegiance. Its simple construction merely conveys good citizenry. Moreover, it’s a promise to abide under the laws of the land (cf. Ro. 13:1-3, Tit.3:1-2).

Jesus our Lord didn’t have issue with submission unto government although it was oppressive (Mk.12:12-17). He promised to remain exemplary while in a strange land (Lk.22:42), but carefully and intentionally made His Father’s business first. He didn’t burn or stomp Caesar’s Roman flag. He didn’t organize great protest although great civil unrest cost Him His life (The days of the Roman Empire subjectively sought to debase every Jew.). The Savior saw a people who were without a SHEPHERD and exercised compassion. Although He fed them physically (Mt.14:13-21), His earthly mission was/is to save them from their sin (Mt.1:21). I’m thankful for peaceable protest and advocacy for victims of injustice. As a Black man, with 3 Black grandsons, I’m appalled at the pervasiveness in neglectful, genocidal practices of some who feel threatened by the appearance of young Black men; But “I know Whom I have believed, And am persuaded that He is able To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.” That’s my resolve (Jn.15:20)…

Happy Friday!