This week’s emphasis has been on a word I had never heard of before until this week. And since I am in the time of life talked about in Psalms, I have never even given thought to this word or anniversary. By the time of King David and the Prophet Moses, the expected adult lifespan had stabilized to modern norms. As Psalm 90:10 says, “The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty. I have parents and grandparents who lived well beyond that age so I expect that I may have a few more years ahead of me. This week has been one in which I had moments of pain that made me wonder if I could even make it to the next birthday. And I know that I am not the only one. Everyone in this sinful world experiences pain of some sort. Our genetics, lifestyle, habits, diseases, accidents all contribute to painful days in each of our lives. And when we experience pain, we tend to think it’s really bad and no one else can understand. I had one of those moments this week. But enough of my pain.
The idea of lifespan in the Bible is divided into distinct periods. There is time Before the Flood where the early chapters of Genesis recount individuals living for centuries, with Adam living to 930 and Methuselah reaching a record 969 years old. Then there is the Postdiluvian Era. Following the flood, the Bible describes a gradual reduction in human lifespans, bringing them down from hundreds of years to just over a century. By the time of King David and the Prophet Moses, the expected adult lifespan had stabilized to modern norms like us today. As stated in Psalm 90:10, “The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty.” When I think about how long we live, maybe—it led me to think about that word of this week, semiquincentennial. The time that we have had a country is 250 years—a semiquincentennial. But no one can expect to live as long as our country. The time that we have had a country is 250 years. It seems like a long time. But in history it isn’t so long. The Roman Empire lasted for nearly 1,500 years as a continuous political entity, and over 2,200 years from its traditional founding to its final collapse. The timeline of the Roman Empire is generally divided into two main periods: Spanning roughly 420 years, the first period began with the rise of Augustus as the first emperor and ended when the empire was permanently partitioned into eastern and western administrative halves. The Eastern Roman/ Byzantine Empire lasted nearly 1,000 years longer than the West. And if you include the preceding centuries of the Roman Kingdom and the Roman Republic, Roman history spans over 2,200 years. So, depending on how you define “Rome,” the empire lasted anywhere from 500 to 2,200 years. Way longer than our country!
This year and this weekend, America will celebrate the most important milestone in our country’s history—250 years of American Independence. Not anywhere close to Romes lengthy history but very important to our country. “With a single sheet of parchment and 56 signatures, America began the greatest political journey in human history,” said President Trump of this important anniversary. While I can remember another anniversary 50 years ago and all the celebrations that happened in 1976, America is determined to make this day bigger and better! I and many others are proud to claim
America as our country. There are many countries that I would like to visit but only one where I want to live. And that is America! It comes as no surprise that the color theme for the United States’ 250th anniversary (America 250) is traditional red, white, and blue, with gold accents to signify our countries special milestone. The official America250 Logo features these patriotic colors in the form of a flowing ribbon that shapes the number “250”. I think that shows our allegiance to our country. But I am looking forward to wearing the colors of my allegiance to God—a robe of pure white and the crown of gold and looking for those whose robes will be trimmed in red!
The name “bicentennial” was easier to say than “semiquincentennial. I had to look the word up to figure out what people were saying. Saying semiquincentennial takes a little practice. It doesn’t lend itself to that instant interpretation that I got with the word Bicentennial. I imagine that you, like me, had never heard the word until this year. Apparently many that are involved in the planning, abbreviate it ‘semiquin’. Officially a 250-year anniversary or period is most commonly called a semiquincentennial. But the word sestercentennial is a less common term for the 250th. Though, a quarter-millennium is a literal translation meaning a quarter of a 1,000-year millennium. And then there is the word bisesquicentennial which is another mathematically derived term, that is often used when breaking down roots in Latin. All these words for just one event. It reminds me that we need to really look at the words we use in our spiritual study. Many words have more than one meaning and also an idea can be expressed in many different words. When I study, I need to make sure that I am getting the real meaning that God intends me to have and not just rely on someone’s interpretation. I need to study with the Holy Spirit leading and showing me what is right.
250 years is a right long time. We have a history that shows God’s leading our forefathers and country. Under a strict continuity standard: about 20–30 countries clearly have unbroken state identities older than 250 years. And under a looser standard that accepts historical predecessors and cultural continuity: roughly 40–60 countries can reasonably claim 250+ years of history. We really are a young country. But these years of existence for various countries reminds me that we want to become part of a country that will last longer than any nation—we want to be part of God’s kingdom for eternity. 250 years is almost nothing compared to eternity. It’s a rare moment in the life of a nation, one that invites all Americans to pause and reflect. Not only should we reflect on our history, but also on its contemporary significance. This anniversary isn’t just about dates and documents. It’s about people, places, and stories—millions of them. It’s about how a group of colonies came together in 1776 to declare independence and how that moment set the course for the country we live in now.
Reaching 250 years is a significant event for any nation. It offers a chance to learn more about how the United States began, how it grew, and how it has changed over time. Every era of American history has shaped the present in some way, from early settlements to westward expansion, from war and invention to civic achievements and cultural growth. Understanding this long story helps people see how past events connect to the world around them today. Understanding the events of Biblical history helps us to realize the leading of God throughout all of time and history.
The semiquincentennial is more than a historical milestone; it is an opportunity to recognize God’s providence throughout our nation’s story. Two hundred and fifty years ago, early American leaders gathered to dedicate themselves to God, fasting and praying for divine wisdom in times of great uncertainty. Today, that same reliance on the Creator is vital.
As America marks its 250th anniversary (the semiquincentennial), Christians are called to ground their patriotism in spiritual stewardship. While we celebrate our historic liberties, our ultimate allegiance remains with the Lord. As Proverbs 14:34 reminds us, “Righteousness exalts a nation”—a mandate for us to pursue justice, humility, and faith above mere political or economic triumph.
While we look back with gratitude for our freedoms, this milestone is a mirror for the present. The freedoms we enjoy require active responsibility. It is time to ask the question: “Will we remember the God who gave us liberty and safety from death?” Can we too say, God, give me liberty, we do not want death! Unlike those who say ‘Give me liberty OR give me death!’ We want the life that liberty will give.
Believers across the country are using this anniversary to pray for a spirit of unity, healing, and moral clarity. Consider the words of Psalm 33:12, which declares, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.” True blessing is not an entitlement, but the result of a people actively seeking God’s truth and extending His grace to others. As we all step into the next chapter, let this anniversary be a time to stimulate us to a deeper commitment to loving our neighbors, praying for our leaders, and growing to be rooted in righteousness and hope.
Gracious and Almighty God, we thank You for Your abundant provision and for the freedoms we have enjoyed over the past 250 years. As we celebrate this milestone, we ask for the grace to walk in humility and righteousness. Guide our leaders with wisdom, and unite our communities in peace. Strengthen the Church to stand boldly in Your truth, and may our nation be a beacon of Your love and justice for generations to come.
The United States has changed a great deal over two and a half centuries. One of the lessons of history is that every generation helps shape what comes next. America’s 250th is not just a moment to look backward—it’s also a time to think and look forward. It invites people of all ages to consider the following questions:
“What kind of America are we building together—
and how will each of us help shape its future?”
What kind of future am I building for myself? More important, what am I doing to shape my future?