As we light up our grills and sparklers, this July 4th, a good history lesson might be in order. According to Denise Kiernan and Joseph D’Agnese, authors of the book, Signing Their Lives Away: The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed The Declaration of Independence, only two men actually signed the document on July 4th. It had been voted on and adopted on July 2nd by twelve of the thirteen colonies. New York was the lone holdout. The official document was signed by the majority of the fifty-six signers on August 2nd, 1776. However, because the copied and distributed Declaration of Independence was officially dated July 4th, history was revised slightly.
Though every man who signed the Declaration was sure they would die for doing so, their vision was stronger than their fear of England. One man, William Williams, served as a deacon in his church for sixty years, as well as various political positions in the colony of Connecticut. After a less than stellar military campaign against England following the signing of the Declaration, Williams lamented that he was sure to be hung. One of those who sat with him discussing the dire prediction boasted that he would be spared because he never signed anything. To this, Williams declared, “Then you, sir, deserve to be hanged—for not having done your duty!” Fortunately, Williams lived to the ripe, old age of seventy-nine. His tombstone describes him as a “firm, steady, and ardent friend of his country, and in the darkest times risked his life and wealth in her defense.” (Signing Their Lives Away, 63). Miraculously, not one of the fifty-six signers died because of their bold signatures on the Declaration of Independence. Two hundred and forty-nine years later, we enjoy the fruit of their bravery.
As I read the first five chapters of Esther this morning, I was reminded of the fear that can paralyze and perplex a nation, rendering people silent in the face of bold evil. When Esther called her people to pray, she prayed too. Thankfully, she did not stop with just prayer.
Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
Esther 4:15-16
Today, our country has many enemies within its borders. The Founding Fathers would barely recognize what they signed their lives away for as our country’s historians attempt to make God a tiny footnote in history. Rising antisemitism, the murder of innocents, quiet corruption, and prideful perversion continue to wash away the moral code that has kept America’s foundations strong. God’s people pray for revival and hope for the best. But what if more is required? What would taking a stand against evil today look like?
It is time to do more than pray for revival. It is time to rise up and stand against those who would annihilate an entire people group, an entire generation of innocents, and who would deny there is a King who will judge their evil works. We do not need to take up earthly weapons for such an uprising. We have spiritual weapons that enable us to stand with authority, unashamedly. The Holy Spirit will guide; the Word of God will convict. Be bold in your witness, Christian. Like those fifty-six men who signed their lives away for their convictions, we too must be ready to stand boldly against the tide of evil. If we do not, we too “deserve to be hung because we did not do our duty.” If, in standing, we lose relationships, status, or even our lives, so be it. This is the spirit of Independence Day.
Happy 4th of July!
His Song in the Night 