“And the beat goes on…” (in the Sonny & Cher, 1967, hit lyrics). The USA will be 241 years old this July 4th. Though it isn’t a memorable round number, some important events occurred 50, 100, 150 and 200 years ago that shaped her character, revealed her strengths and weaknesses, and fulfilled Bible prophecies. 

1817

Inaugurated as the fifth U.S. President, James Munroe served for eight years. He is famous for shaping and establishing what was to be called “The Monroe Doctrine.” It defined America’s role in the Western Hemisphere by proclaiming an end to North and South American colonization. Although America was not yet a dominant force on the world scene, this act initiated the process of becoming one. 

America is descended from the ancient Israelite tribe of Manasseh who was one of the sons of Joseph. As part of his birthright blessing, Joseph inherited the prophecy that God had given to Abraham, “…your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies” (Genesis 22:17). The Monroe Doctrine also helped pave the way for the US to build, own and continuously control the Panama Canal, one of the greatest sea gates in the world.

1867

Other than ongoing recovery from the Civil War, two important events occurred in this year. Nebraska became a state within the Union, continuing the nation-building process. But that was also the year America purchased Alaska from Russia. As time and technology advanced, an American Alaska guarded the Bering Strait, the Arctic Ocean and generally all the northwestern borders from future Asian threats which in time came from Japan, Russia, China and now North Korea.

1917

The United States had for 141 years followed her first President George Washington’s advice to avoid “foreign entanglements.” But the nation had matured by the time of World War One. She could now envision more of her prophesied power and prestige. Thus President Woodrow Wilson successfully led the government to declare war on Germany and thus enter the First World War enabling an Allied victory. As it would also be in the repeat American performance fighting in World War Two, Germany’s and her allies’ time was not yet to dominate the world scene. 

1967

Continuing her role leading the Free World, the United States was fighting the Vietnam War to contain Communism. However, America was sinning (and just like individuals, all nations sin for “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23). She was racked and weakened by the Sexual and Drug Revolution. Many of her institutions of higher learning were petri dishes of evolutionary-based, socialistic darwinism. 

This “revolution” weakened America just as prophesied. Because the nation had not walked in His statutes and commandments, God had spoken through Moses “…I will break the pride in your power…your strength shall be spent in vain” (Leviticus 26:19-20). Yet God would show some mercies, as He did for the state of Israel that year in the famous Six Day War that June. Much of the Israeli military strength needed to defeat the united Arab nations had come from the United States.

Fifty years ago was a tough year for Lady Liberty. Race riots broke out in several major cities. And between the racial tensions, the weakening of the value of family via the Sexual Revolution plus the profound sin of the “instant drunkenness” of widespread drug abuse combined to create a great, internal turmoil in America.

2017 – America today

America’s 21st century power as a nation of this world is nothing short of amazing. But she is now in the throes of a second and more virulent Sexual and Drug Revolution—driven by the same, misguided, higher education, and political forces of fifty years ago. 

Even as she struggles to regain the forward momentum of her traditional wisdom and values, the United States seeks peace and unity she cannot find. 

But one day she will. America the beautiful will regain more than physical beauty. She will find spiritual beauty. However, she’ll first need a Savior to intervene for her in the most traumatic conflict in world history. And He is coming soon to do just that. In fact, it will be His second coming. 

Finally then, the peoples of the United States of America will be one nation under God and His Son Jesus Christ!