Minutemen and Modern Man

On a balmy April evening in 1775, disguised as Indians, a handful of Bostonians tossed Britain’s best tea into the dark waters of the harbor. It floated quietly down the channel, in sharp contrast to the turmoil above.
The British Crown ordered Boston’s port closed, knowing it could mean starvation for Boston citizens.
   Fellow colonies rushed to Boston’s aid. Virginia declared fasting and prayer for the Boston inhabitants. The First Continental Congress in Philadelphia was formed in September 1774, but uniting these free-thinking colonists into one solid and united group would not prove an easy task.

   As we near November 6th and the debates between President Obama and Governor Romney, more brave pastors are speaking out and asking for fasting and prayer. Pastor John Hagee has called for forty days of prayer and fasting and is sending Bible messages via e-mail across the nation to strengthen, encourage and equip us for the November elections.
   Pat Robertson of the Christian Broadcasting Network is asking for a revival. He is claiming 2 Chronicles 7:14 and asking for people to send in their prayer requests for America’s return to Biblical values.
Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, sent out a letter concerning the Democratic Party Convention in Charlotte, NC: “I watched in horror and absolute disbelief at the deafening roar as delegates rejected including any mention of God’s Name.”
   Graham stated in his September 21, 2012 letter, “My father and I are both taking a strong stand on Biblical values this election year. I believe it could be one of the most important elections held in our nation’s history. The spirit of the antichrist is gaining strength in American society, and is evident all around us. If you’re not registered to vote, then be sure to do so before the election.”
   I believe we are facing a crucial time in America’s history. Like those faithful colonists who felt compelled to take a stand for freedom and morality. You may have been a affiliated with a party all your life, but does the party’s teaching coincide with what your Biblical beliefs say?
   Like the Minutemen that willingly sacrificed their fortune, lives and sacred honor, we need to pray, fast and seek God’s mercy for the problems we created in our beloved nation.
   When Boston was under heavy British guard and British General Gage planned a surprise march on the night of April 18th, Bostonian Joseph Warren found out about their plans. Determined to warn his countrymen, he decided to signal from the church tower the route the British troops would take. Paul Revere waited. When Warren signaled the British army’s course, Revere sped down lanes and roads, galloping into the darkness of the unknown to spread the alarm throughout the countryside crying the immortal words, “The British are coming, The British are coming!”
   Is this what these brave pastors are doing now? Telling us the “antichrist is coming, the antichrist is coming!”?
   In the shadowed mist of that new dawn, the American Minutemen pledged to take up arms at a minute’s notice. They came ill equipped, but ready to lay down their lives for America’s cause.
It is for this cause we fight for now, the cause of Christ Jesus and the roots which made this country “Under God - Indivisible.” It’s not about your union, or your party, it is about your morals and what you stand for as an individual.
   The winter at Valley Forge nearly defeated Washington’s Continental Army. His starving and ragged band of soldiers had given all they had! Their well-dressed and well-feed opponent appeared undefeatable. These minutemen were tired of war. What was Washington to do? To whom could he turn to for aid? Kneeling in the snow at Valley Forge, Washington prayed for strength and guidance.
   In our Capitol, just off the rotunda, the room’s focal point is a stained glass window showing George Washington kneeling in prayer with the words of Psalm 16:1: “Preserve me, O God, for in Thee do I put my trust.”
   Let modern man not forget that the earlier minutemen died for freedoms we often take for granted, especially the freedom to vote and worship as we choose. God Bless and may God Bless our beloved country again!
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Catherine Ulrich Brakefield is a published author of two books, numerous short stories and has written for magazines and newspapers. Her writing exemplifies Jesus and her love for people and animals. She and her husband, Edward, reside in Leonard, Michigan, where they enjoy their Arabian horses, dogs, cats, and chickens. She and her husband have two wonderful children and two awesome grandchildren. Check her out at www.catherineulrichbrakefield.com.