Happy Canada Day
Tuesday July 1, 2014
Canada's coat of arms is a picture filled with symbols that are meaningful. You'll find lions that represent the kingly authority. The motto "desiderantes meliorem patriam” (They desire a better country) reminds us that most of us are immigrants and we have been given hospitality here. Symbols link us to our heritage in both France and England. A crest on the royal helmet symbolizes valour and courage. Figures on either side of the shield are known as supporters and are depicted with great strength.
Underneath all of these symbols are the words, "A mari usque ad mare" (From sea to sea) taken from Psalm 72, a prayer for God's authority and rule to be represented in all that holds this country together.
Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice. May the mountains bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness. May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor. May he endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations. May he be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth. In his days may the righteous flourish and prosperity abound till the moon is no more. May he rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. (Psalm 72:1-8 NIV)
Thousands of years ago this prayer went up from earth to heaven on behalf of the land and the king ruling over it. The prayer asks for justice and that the king would rule with justice. The cry goes out to God that people living in the land would be blessed, that the afflicted would be defended and the children protected. The prayer asks for God to bless with prosperity and righteousness to rule in all the land from sea to sea. God is asked to have dominion (influence and authority) over all the country. May this be our prayer on this 2014 Canada Day. As we see the Coat of Arms, as we sing our national anthem may we lift our hearts to God praying, “God keep our land glorious and free.”
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