For the first time in our life, my wife and I celebrated the 4th of July, with our beloved children, as Americans, for we were granted citizenship earlier this year. During our oath ceremony, we were introduced to the Star-Spangled Banner. The Star-Spangled banner is the national anthem of the United States of America and is based on the poem “Defence of Fort McHenry”, penned in 1814 by an young attorney, Francis Scott Key, after he witnessed the British bombing of the Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.

The Star-Spangled Banner is actually four stanzas in length even though only the first stanza is often sung in public events and patriotic celebrations. Interestingly the last two lines of the each of the stanza speak about the star-spangled banner.

The first one questions for it reads:
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

The second one wishes for it to wave for it reads:
‘Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

The third one states that it is waving now (present time) for it reads:
 And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave,
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

The last one affirms that it will continue to wave triumphantly for it reads:
 And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Points to ponder:
In our life as well, we are faced with a similar situation as well. The banner of love (Solomon 2:4) of God the Father has been lavished over us (1 John 3:1) and the sacrifice of God’s Only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the bright and morning STAR (Revelation 22:16) has been shined (spangled) upon us (Matthew 4:16). There are some who are unaware and questioning, if his banner of love waves over them and then there are some who are seeking Salvation that wish that it was. There are then some who have believed in Jesus Christ and know that his banner of love is waving strong over them and they look forward to the true land of the free and the home of the brave, which is heaven, where God’s love shall triumphantly and continually wave over them.

Are you sure and certain of the Christian Star-Spangled Banner that waves triumphantly over you? It beckons those who have not believed in Jesus to trust in him and become independent of their sinful lifestyles for the wages of sin is death, not liberty. Are you on assured of your citizenship in the true land of the free and the home of the brave, i.e., in heaven with God? Only when you trust in the Lord and believe in Jesus, can you be!
Happy Independence Day!

Revelation 22:16 (KJV)
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Solomon 2:4 (KJV)
4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.

1 John 3:1 (KJV)
1. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Matthew 4:16-17 (KJV)
16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.