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| Mound City, IL, National Cemetary |
The Memorial Day holiday is designated as a time when we honor our war-dead; but it
has morphed into a time when we honor those who’ve had significant impact on
our lives before they passed on. It’s also a time when we have barbecues, kick
off summer activities, decorate with our national colors, and focus on
patriotic thoughts.
Not all these activities might happen, depending on
where you live, but I want to focus on patriotic thoughts today since coincidentally my email devotional series happens to contain a passage of scripture which speaks so relevantly to us in May 2020.
The following is today's email:
1 Peter
2:13-17
Honor all people.
Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the
king.
·
Being a good citizen reflects on God
There’s no getting around it, God intends us to submit to
government. When Peter wrote this during the period of the Roman Empire, there
were some Jews who recognized no king but God and paid taxes to no one except
God. It’s not that Rome was a friend to Christians; but remember what Jesus
said? “Render therefore to Caesar the things
that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Matthew 22:21
The exception would be if government ordered us to do something in
contradiction to God’s law. Then we stand on Acts 4:19 –
to obey God before man.
·
Rulers are sent by God
Peter tells us God sent us these rulers to “punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do
right,” as the New Living Translation tells us.
I originally wrote this devotional in 2014, and I asked the
question then, “What do you think about negative political ads and those who
bash Obama on Facebook?” How could I have known then about the level of
negativity on social media and in mainstream media in 2020?
Just as God chose Obama in 2008 and 2012, He chose Trump in 2016.
We’ve no right to bash; but are called to pray for our President.
·
God wants you to both speak and do good.
Our
conduct is a way to defend the gospel. Those who never read the Bible will
watch our lives. It is by living a good life that we can silence ignorance of
foolish men.
·
Don’t use your freedom as an excuse for sin.
Peter
warns us against using the liberty we have in Jesus as an excuse for sin.
Instead we are free to show the kind of love and respect God asks from us.
·
Value all people
Strong’s
Concordance says the word translated honor in verse 17 is timaō (tim-ah'-o)
to prize, that is, fix a valuation upon; by implication to revere: -
honour, value.
Value
all people. Value all sovereign power, or authority.
You
can honor government and still do what is right. God is available for help in
doing so. Call on Him!
~~~
If you who would enjoy receiving a
devotional as well -it's open to everyone - just shoot me an email to prov31grace@yahoo.com
to be added to the list.
Today, I'm sharing this post at:
Good morning! I love this post and add a hearty AMEN! I have subscribed to your daily emails. See you again soon!
ReplyDeleteBashing is out of control for sure. Hope the rest of May goes well for you.
ReplyDelete