By What Authority

Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32; Philippians 2:1-18; Matthew 21:23-32

Among the flags of the fifty states of the United States, one of the most distinctive is the flag of Rhode Island. It is a simple design featuring a golden anchor on a field of white, surrounded by thirteen golden stars which commemorate the fact that Rhode Island was the thirteenth of the original colonies to become a state officially. There is just one word on the flag: hope. The likely inspiration for the inclusion of this word is from Hebrews: “We who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:18–19). The founders of the colony of Rhode Island were hopeful of finding a place of refuge to express their Christian faith freely in their times. In our time, we also are people of Christian hope, as well as people abiding in faith who are given to charity in Christ’s name.