Daily Devotional

On July 3^rd, 1776, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail with the following quote, “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty.” A few questions jump out to me:

1. Is that how you’re supposed to use a comma?
2. Why did they capitalize some words seemingly at random?
3. Why did he say “Second Day of July” when we all know America’s birthday is July 4^th? The comma and capitalization questions are still a mystery to me, but there is a very good answer to the third question.

July 2^nd, 1776 was the day that the delegates of the Second Continental Congress voted to officially declare independence from Great Britain. July 4^th, 1776 was when the final draft of the Declaration was approved by the delegates. John Adams thought July 2^nd was the birth of a new nation, most today think it’s July 4^th, and historians continue to debate the matter.

Whatever the case, I still think John Adams was right that the birth of our nation should be “commemorated…by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty.” It’s increasingly become en-vogue to point out the shortcomings of our nation. While I recognize that America is not, nor has it ever been a perfect nation, I also recognize that it is a nation full of tremendous blessing. We are blessed to live in 21st-century America.
 
Not only should we pause to recognize this blessing, but even more importantly we should pause to recognize the Giver of every good gift, God Almighty. Whether you celebrate the birth of our nation with a picnic, swim party, firework show, or quiet night at home, don’t forget to take the time to give thanks to God for the gift of freedom we’ve been given.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.