A second achievement was the design of the Union Jack, a symbol of greatness since James I authorized its unfolding in 1606. The name “Union Jack” came from James I himself, the name “James” being “Jacobus” in Latin and “Jacob” in Hebrew. Thus, the flag symbolizes the Re-Union of Jacob. Like the coin and James I’s recognition of himself as “King of Israel”, the flag is meant to unveil the true identity of the peoples of the isles at a God appointed time. Isn’t it astonishing to see how the Lord God Almighty works? He selected that particular time in history, coupled it with that of the subsequent incorporation of the Cross of St. Patrick into the Union Jack, and then proceeded to reveal His Great Plan for His People Israel. Here in this incorporation of three flags, A.J. Ferris traces a magnificent destiny that was first outlined four thousand years ago. The National Flag of Scotland, i.e., “The Cross of St. Andrew,” is representative of the Abrahamic Covenant and the manner of that cross is emblematic of Jacob Israel with his arms crossed as he passed on the blessings of national greatness to Ephraim & Manasseh. denotes the Old Covenant that Israel broke, resulting in a postponement of The Cross of St. Patrick (Ireland) the blessings for 2,520 years and the need of a Savior to redeem them. The Cross of St. George, which Richard I of England introduced as the National Flag of England in 1194 represents the New Covenant of Redemption, which made it possible for Israel to become worthy rulers with God. Joined together, they form the Union Jack or Union Jacob. The great significance of this may not mean much to a present day society weaned on propaganda but the joining of the three flags into the Union Jack does denote the Re-Union of Israel, the nation God selected at Mount Sinai to rule with Him and be a blessing to the entire world.

The third significant event, created as a result of the policies of James I rather than anything inspirational was the founding of New England as 100 brave souls set out on the Mayflower and inspired the subsequent emigration to the New World.

It is pretty hard to dispute the special role of James I in God’s Celestial Sovereignty. He might have gone down in history as one of England’s great kings had it not been for his terrestrial struggles. His extravagances and his contemptuous treatment of expressions of national grievances did nothing to endear himself to the people. The infamous Catholic inspired Gunpowder Plot, engineered by Guy Fawkes, occurred during his reign although this was more the result of James’ staunch support of the Elizabethan Church Settlement. He was not about to pledge allegiance to the Pope and the ire of all Catholics was stirred up by an unrelenting Papacy. Still, perhaps he tiptoed around the Catholic issue too much and it encouraged the Catholics to become too hopeful that their position might be restored. Then too, as Churchill wrote in Volume 2 of his “History of English Speaking Peoples”, James’ open attention to handsome young men resulted in a great loss of respect for his monarchy. Yet, all of these were petty compared to his concessions to Spain, concessions that created much consternation amongst his parliamentarians and subjects. The anger intensified when he authorized the execution of Sir Walter Raleigh, one of England’s best-loved explorers and a true favourite of Queen Elizabeth, simply to please the Spanish Government. This spineless act established a barrier between king and subjects that could never be overcome. Whether or not this action played any part in the subsequent overthrow and execution of his son, Charles I, James was a role model and likely Charles inherited much of the anger the people felt for James.

Still, James I was a monarch of destiny. He was the first King of Great Britain and his legacy still lives today, in the flag that still flies over many countries and in the tens of millions of Bibles in the homes of Israelites everywhere. God surely used this man of history to further His Wonderful Plan of the Ages.