Between “The Twilight’s Last Gleaming”, and “The Dawn’s Early Light”

Text: Acts 7:55-57, 59 - But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said,'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.' Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord...and they stoned Stephen calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

Francis Scott Key probably had a view that exceeded, or at least matched, that on any July 4th late evening now, in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, except that the burst of rockets in his time were not for show or celebration. In his time, from a position on a British ship, Francis Scott Key observed the massive assault that would seek to devastate Fort McHenry, protecting Baltimore, an effort following the ruin of Washington D.C. prior.

Witnessing the thunder and flash above, and about, and into the fort, Mary Pickersgill's workmanship yet waved, lending to the penning of what we call now, the Star-Spangled Banner. It was September 13-14, 1814. While the preceding month saw the massive flag completed which Francis Scott Key would see, know also that many hands managed its fabric including Grace Wisher, an indentured servant, and a free black girl.[Grace Wisher, what a name!]

Who is this Francis Scott Key?

A son, a counselor, a Maryland citizen, an orator, a poet, an Episcopal, a lawyer, a defender, a national proponent of 'Sunday School', a philanthropist, and yes, a slave owner. He'd be the one to write that which thrilled many listeners and humbled many a soprano as the time came for ' o'er the land of the free'. It was this piece that captured the spirit of a yet young America, albeit, with a bit of a pause for some of those descended from African slaves, and those tribes uprooted from their native places here, as well as their advocates.

'Oh say can you see...' acknowledges prevailing, against the odds, and having a material flag as a sign, declaring surrendering not being an option, and constitutionally giving freedom as inherently God wrought. Its message, a whisper, has touched the world and has wooed many to come, and furthermore counsels its own imperfect citizenry towards a higher preference. Its lyrics boast a robust hope for the encouragement of many towards courage, and with freedom in mind, to press on.

How flies our own banner, as we enter uncertain circumstances? as the season of fullest night arrives?

While across time, many have come to salute the banner, and its legacy, as well as its intent, it is the living witness of Stephen, that draws Jesus to stand at the right hand of God the Father.
 The dawn's early light along the margins of Baltimore, 1814 was historic. The dawn's early light for the moment Stephen occupied, was glorious.

Know that in Christ, triumph has no controversy in heaven. May God be glorified. May the legacy of our beloved Stephen in remembrance, be an utter blessing. May the Word have us aroused to having an undeniable banner [not made with hands] and a surer witness before the seeing of our greater and our nearest worlds. Hallelujah! How flies our own banner now within the night wind of our soul?

Prayer:  For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us  (2nd Corinthians 1:20)  Dear Lord, quicken our reception and our embrace for all that You bless us to have. Now He which establishes us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God (2nd Corinthians 1:2)  Let me run with this truth! Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts (2nd Corinthians 1:22). And my soul says Amen!

(by Dr. McNeal Brockington)