Back to Reach • Devotion 1

Benjamin Franklin
Dr. Randy Johnson

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) is a well-known writer, philosopher, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, statesman, and diplomat. He never ran for president as he was already 83 when George Washington was elected as the first president of the United States. He was clearly a founding father as he held many other positions in developing our country.

Ben Franklin said, “We need God to be our friend not our enemy. We need Him to be our ally not our adversary. We need to make sure we keep God’s concurring aid. If a sparrow cannot fall without God’s notice, how can our nation rise without His aid?” He knew we needed God. Our nation could only “rise” by God’s blessing.

I like how he references Matthew 10:28-30, which says, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” These verses emphasize how valuable we are to God but also how present He is in the world. God did not create everything and then pull up a lounge chair waiting for the end of times. He is involved in our daily lives. We need Him. Our country needed Him back then and still needs Him today.

The Declaration of Independence expresses the value of people in supporting biblical liberty and free enterprise. Freedom comes from Jesus Christ. John 8:36 says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Galatians 5:1 adds, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Finally, 1 Peter 2:16 says, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.”

Please do not take your freedom for granted. Appreciate your freedom and use it for Him.
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