Oh, Beautiful
It's American Independence Day and this reading talks about God preparing a better country for us, in His Kingdom.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old-- and Sarah herself was barren-- because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.” All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. - Hebrews 11:8-16
The faith of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob stands out in this reading.
They lived in a foreign land in tents, but dreamed of the promised land.
For many across the world, especially those living in oppressed countries living in poverty, this, our country, is the promised land.
We want to welcome them here while at the same time we act ashamed of this land, how it was conquered, populated and settled by foreigners. Is the American Dream dead?
How can it be right to invite the impoverished world to share in this dream, and then tear down all our ancestors have built?
Everyone professes to know the founders' intent, the men and women who stood up to tyranny and oppression and declared independence.
Yes, our history is littered with mistakes, prejudices, hatreds, oppressions, you name it. We are no different from all the other countries of the world in that regard.
What sets us apart is our quest for and preservation of Human Freedoms, God-given, inalienable, according to our heritage.
So, today, lets try to set aside our negatives and focus upon our positives. We were not made perfect, but we can strive to be better every day. Let go of the past and live.
More to come...