“Now the LORD had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.’” Genesis 12:1-2

A New Frontier

The words of today’s Scripture were spoken to Abraham when the Lord began to lead him out of his country into a new land that was to become a nation of God’s own people, Israel. He was leading them to a new frontier to create a separate nation. By God’s design, He would be their God; Israel would be His people. “I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians” (Exodus 6:7).

I imagine this is how the Pilgrims felt as they left their homeland in their tiny ship, Mayflower, and sailed for the unknown land we now call North America. They were burdened by the religious demands regulating their church services, and keenly felt the desire to be free to worship as they felt led. “I will rescue you from their bondage… And I will bring you into the land…” (Exodus 6:6, 8).

I’m not aware of the exact words God may have spoken to those called Pilgrims in our history books. I don’t know the final straw of what happened to push them into setting out for a place of freedom in worship. But somehow, God led this small band of travelers to this land of plenty, and in time, “one nation, under God” was established.

We would do well, on this day set aside to give special thanks, to remember that we, too, are pilgrims and sojourners in this life, on a journey initiated and led by God to a Promised Land. We “seek a homeland” (Hebrews 11:14), “a better, that is, a heavenly country” (vs. 16).

God has honored and blessed this country since its inception. He honored the intents of the heart and the prayers of our founding fathers. This may be changing, though, even as I write these words. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

Take it from Abraham… take it from Moses… take it from Joshua… take it from the Pilgrims—the grass really is greener on the other side when God is leading us to “the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10).

“Father, You who give life and breath and all things, we thank You today and always for Your unprecedented, unparalleled gifts, provision, and blessings. Forgive our nation of her sins, and may we seek You once again with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We pray in the unequaled Name of Your Son. Amen.”