Celebrating Our National Day

by Pastor Mark
August 09, 2022

Thank God for our country

I would like to wish everyone “A Happy National Day!” We thank God for His blessings as we celebrate our nation’s 57th birthday. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our country has been severely tested over the last few years. But not only have we been able to survive through this crisis, we have also been able to thrive as a nation. We thank God for our leaders who have been instrumental in making Singapore what it is today. The Lord has blessed us with a strong economy, an excellent educational system and a resilient health system that continues to bear the brunt of this COVID crisis. Let us not take these things for granted but be truly grateful for all we have here in our country.

Appreciating our government

1. Submitting to our government

“Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors,” (1 Peter 2:13)

  1. The Apostle Peter recognised the vital place of the Roman government.
  2. They established the “ordinance of man”…a reference to the law of Rome.
  3. Those who rebelled against the Roman government would cause unrest in the country.
  4. Peter taught the principle of “submission”…that rulers and the Roman law were to be obeyed.
  5. As believers, we must submit to the laws of our country for the Lord’s sake.
  6. We should not rebel or do wrong in any way against the government.
  7. Let us bear the Lord’s name as we live under the law of the land.

2. Punishment for evildoers

“as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers…” (1 Peter 2:13)

  1. The government sets up laws to punish evildoers, which act as a deterrent to crimes.
  2. Over the years, our government has established a robust legal system with strong and vital laws.
  3. This has proven well for our country as we have one of the lowest crime rates in the world. We are considered by many to be a very safe nation to live and do business in.

This is most apparent to me each time I go for my walks in the early morning at Bishan Park where older folks are exercising or doing “tai chi” without any fear for their safety. I thank God for the peace and security that we have here.

3. Praise for those who do good

“and for the praise of those who do good.” (1 Peter 2:14)

  1. The government also seeks to give praise and commendation to those who do good.
  2. I’m glad our country hands out special awards to those who do good work.
  3. I would like to mention those working in hospitals and the health industry.
  4. We thank God for the dedication of these frontliners and for fulfilling their work, despite complex challenges, to ensure our healthcare system is not compromised.

The will of God

As we celebrate our National Day, let us not just enjoy the blessings of God that we see in our country but also to fulfil the will of God by doing good to others (1 Peter 2:15). There will always be those who genuinely need help and support. Let us fulfil the Lord’s will in our lives by doing our part for the sake of others. Let us make this National Day a truly significant one. Let us praise the Lord for His manifold blessings upon our country with hearts full of joy and thanksgiving.

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