Chosen for Greatness

Key: Verse 12

George Washington: Portion of First Inaugural Address

Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my fellow-citizens at large less than either. No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States.

Psalm 33

Becoming great begins with:

I.                  Praise (1-9)

A.                Expression of Worship

1.                Sing to Him (1, 2, 3)

2.                Play Instruments (2, 3)

3.                Compose (3)

B.                Acknowledgement of God (6-9)

Our Forefathers did just that, they acknowledged God.

 “On December 6, 1774, the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts under the leadership of John Hancock issued this statement:

When we contemplate the friendship and assistance our ancestors—the first settlers of this Province—received from the pious Pastors of the Churches of Christ . . . we cannot but acknowledge the goodness of heaven. . . . (America’s Providential History, p. 136)

On June 12, 1775, England declared that the Colonies would now be put under martial lax.  The (Christian) Continental Congress, in response, employed their most trusted weapon: Prayer. (America’s Providential History, p. 142)

John Hancock said, “Let us humbly commit our righteous cause to the great Lord of the Universe . . . .  Let us joyfully leave our concerns in the hands of Him who raises up and puts down the empires and kingdoms of the earth as He pleases. (America’s Providential History, p. 149)

Becoming great continues with:

II.              Passion (10-12 (12))

A.                Fearing and Knowing God (Comes from a Passion to Worship)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. (Proverbs 1:7)

B.                Results in an Blessings

Becoming great depends on:

III.           Preference (13-17)

A.                God is in Control (13-15)

B.                Self-absorption leads to destruction (16-17) 

"… let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers, "just men who will rule in the fear of God." The preservation of [our] government depends on the faithful discharge of this Duty; if the citizens neglect their Duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good so much as for selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the Laws; the public revenues will be squandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizen will be violated or disregarded. If [our] government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the Divine Commands, and elect bad men to make and administer the Laws." -History of United States by Noah Webster

Becoming great makes God:

IV.            Personal (18-22)

A.                Reverence brings Deliverance (18-19)

B.                Trust brings Rejoicing (21)

C.                Seek the Lord (22)

What can I do in such a vast nation?

1.                Get involved in Government

i.                   Voting

ii.                Petitions

iii.              School Boards

2.                Don’t just put a bumper sticker on your car, be a bumper sticker.

3.                Fear and Seek God, personally.