It is 710 years old, only a copy of the original, and the former property of the Ross Perot Foundation. And this week it sold at Sotheby's auction for $21.3 million. It is one of the most famous and meaningful documents ever penned. It is the Magna Carta.
Wikipedia describes the Magna Carta as follows: "An English charter originally issued in 1215. Magna Carta was the most significant early influence on the extensive historical process that led to the rule of constitutional law today. Magna Carta influenced the development of the common law and many constitutional documents, such as the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, and is considered one of the most important legal documents in the history of democracy.”
Interestingly, the preamble begins with the words "Know that before God". That is then immediately followed by the first of 63 articles which starts out saying, “First, that we have granted to God”.
In the Declaration of Independence, America's forefathers fully recognized the supremacy of God over nations and the affairs of men. They began their great document, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights."
Certain historical documents 'seem' at times nearly supernatural when considering their amazing wisdom and impact. But absolute perfection in print is reserved for the revelation of God. The evidence is described in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness". The word inspiration carries the meaning of "God-breathed".
Then Hebrew 4:12 reveals the unique ability and absolute power of God's Word. "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Freedom's great writings have allowed those who have been blessed to live under them to experience, “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” But the primary and ultimate value of living in freedom is the ability to worship in freedom and the freedom to openly share one’s faith. And those who experience such liberty should be careful to remain deeply thankful for a lifestyle envied by much of the world.
Living ”the American Dream” through a carefully crafted democracy “of the people and for the people” is a good thing, but it is not the only thing or best thing. Even possesing all the the so-called "good life" has to offer pales dramatically in comparison when stacked against the abundant and eternal life Christ himself offered in John 8:36.
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36
Bill Breckenridge
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