When Justice is not to be found on earth – where do we look then?
The war for Independence was an uphill battle from the start. Humanly speaking, there was no way they could win this war. Finding a flag to rally under was not on the top of the list of things to do for those who planned and fought this war. However, flags do serve important purposes such as providing a rallying point and making sure you aren’t shooting at soldiers on your side. Among the flags quickly invented, one of them stood out for its inspiration and encouragement, An Appeal to Heaven
As the abuses of England were commonly heaped on the colonists, frequent skirmishes broke out into open warfare. The Pinetree Flag with its An Appeal to heaven stitched on it, became the inspiration for these colonists going up against a formidable force. The British understood well how this flag encouraged resistance to their tyranny.
“An early map of Boston reflected this by showing a side image of a British redcoat trying to rip this flag out of the hands of a colonist The main motto, “An Appeal to Heaven,” inspired other similar flags with mottos such as “An Appeal to God,” which also often appeared on early American flags.”
It was John Locke who originated the phrase, An Appeal to Heaven. From the Treatises of Two Governments: What is the remedy against a robber who so broke into my house? Appeal to the law for justice. But what if justice is denied, or I am crippled and cannot be stirred and have not the means to do it? If God has taken all means of seeking remedy, there is nothing left but patience. But my Son, when able, may seek the relief of the law, when able which I am denied: He or his son may renew the appeal, till he recover his Right. But the Conquered, and their children, have no court or Arbitrator on earth to appeal to. Then they may appeal, as Jephthah did, to Heaven, and repeat their Appeal, till they recovered the native right of their Ancestors, which was to have such a Legislative over them, as the majority should approve, and freely acquiesce in.
The above phrase was on the flags of George Washington in the Revolutionary War. All who saw it were reminded that God saw and knew the injustices heaped upon them by the British. Furthermore, He saw the many attempts by the American leaders to reconcile these injustices with King George. They merely asked for a seat in Parliament, so their interests were represented as well. These requests were denied. The colonists were well on their way to becoming slaves to the British Empire. This flag reminded people to rely on God along and their savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He would deliver the victory!
The above phrase was on the flags of George Washington in the Revolutionary War. All who saw it were reminded that God saw and knew the injustices heaped upon them by the British. Furthermore, He saw the many attempts by the American leaders to reconcile these injustices with King George. They merely asked for a seat in Parliament, so their interests were represented as well. These requests were denied. The colonists were well on their way to becoming slaves to the British Empire. This flag reminded people to rely on God along and their savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He would deliver the victory!
For whoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4