“OLD GLORY”
Most of my life I have heard the flag of the United States of America affectionately called “Old Glory.” In my imagination I associated that phrase with Francis Scott Key’s “Star Spangled Banner.” The truth is this phrase was popularized by William Driver, a merchant seaman from Salem, Massachusetts.
In 1824, Driver assumed ownership and command of the “Charles Doggett.” Driver’s mother, aided by a few young ladies, stitched together a 24-star American flag and presented it as a gift.
Driver traveled the known world, and the flag flew over a ship he guided through and away from legendary storms. He also staved off a hostile New Zealand tribal chief while rescuing 65 descendants who were survivors from the “HMS Bounty.”
“Always flying high above Driver’s ship was his favorite flag, which he soon named “Old Glory.” As Driver once wrote: “It has ever been my staunch companion and protection. Savages and heathens, lowly and oppressed, hailed and welcomed it at the far end of the wide world. Then, why should it not be called ‘Old Glory?’”
After his maritime career Driver moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where his flag continued to be displayed until threatened during the days of the Civil War. As a Union sympathizer, he claimed his flag would only be confiscated over his dead body. Family members on the other hand, creatively hid the flag inside a quilt.
Driver seemed to attach his survival of perils and success in helping others to the flag that inspired his service.
Certainly, flags are inspiring. In our day we can view the American flag and remember those who stood together and defended our homeland. We can remember those who, with great wisdom, penned the Constitution. As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we are in the 249th year after the Declaration of Independence. Indeed, we should be united in thankfulness at this time of year. Perhaps a spirit of thankfulness would begin to bring a united peace.
The question that comes to my mind is from where did the freedom we enjoy truly come? We can see the moments to the dedicated men and women who sacrificed all in the cause for freedom. I declare that the One from Whom our blessings of freedom have come is not visible to the human eye. And yet the Heavens declare the glory of His handiwork, (Psalm 19:1).
PSALM 148
Praise to the LORD From Creation
1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights!
2 Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts!
3 Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light!
4 Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, And you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created.
6 He also established them forever and ever; He made a decree which shall not pass away.
7 Praise the LORD from the earth, You great sea creatures and all the depths;
8 Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;
9 Mountains and all hills; Fruitful trees and all cedars;
10 Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and flying fowl;
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth;
12 Both young men and maidens; Old men and children.
13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven.
14 And He has exalted the horn of His people, The praise of all His saints — Of the children of Israel, A people near to Him. Praise the LORD!
The God of creation who resides above all in the glory of Heaven gave us the blessings we see. Let us be united in thankfulness for what we see, and for what we learn from God’s word concerning our freedom from sin. The same God who created all and gave you the blessing of living in these United States blessed you with the ability to be free from sin.
Paul wrote to the church at Rome concerning our freedom from sin in chapter six.
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.
In a time when it is easy to join divisive minds, let us be united in thanksgiving for the freedoms we enjoy civilly, and more importantly the invitation to be free from sin.
May your holiday be safe and filled with joyful remembrance and thanksgiving, giving glory to God.
Jeff Johnson is the minister for the North Highlands Church of Christ in
Russellville.
