Boomerang Blessings
I need to admit my addiction -- to Masterpiece Theater’s Queen Victoria. Can you relate? Fact-checking included, this PBS drama offers a pleasant way to learn 19th century British history. I especially enjoy seeing the Queen’s elaborate wardrobe. No wonder she needed a full time servant to dress her! The royal culture’s formalities and traditions are also impressive. Respect and duty commonly affect characters’ conversations and behavior. For example, not speaking to the Queen unless spoken to, not showing your back to her, bowing, and other requirements demonstrate honor to the person and position.
When 24 year old Elizabeth was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom, she said, “Since it has pleased Providence to place me in this station, I shall do my utmost to fulfill my duty towards my country.” For sixty-four years she ruled with tenacity, wisdom, and concern for her subjects, inspiring loyalty.
As redeemed subjects of Christ’s heavenly kingdom, we realize he is “worthy…to receive glory and honor and power” (Romans 4:11) because of who he is. Jesus not only created everything beautiful and loving in the world, he sacrificially paid our sin debt.
The Old Testament details the numerous sacrifices and vigils done “to honor the LORD for the generations to come.” (Exodus 12:42) The writers in the New Testament warn against letting these become mindless traditions where “people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” (Matthew 15:8)
So how can sinners (finger pointing at self) give God the reverent respect and dignity he deserves? Is it possible? Can the crafted clay pot reflect even a hint of the Creator’s glory? (Romans 12:2)
Miraculously, the Holy Spirit enables the following honor-giving opportunities:
Jesus taught when we give glory to the Father, we glorify him. (John 5:23)
In 1 Corinthians 6 we are told to honor God though care and control our earthy body. We are also directed to “live in accordance with the Spirit “ so our minds are “set on what the Spirit desires.” (Romans 8:6)
Paul rejoiced with the Gentiles who “honored the word of the Lord” by believing it (Acts 13:48). He also asked the Thessalonians to pray “that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored.” (I Thessalonians 3:1)
When we glorify our heavenly Father by honoring the Savior, submit our minds and bodies to his control, and value/share Scripture, it produces a boomerang effect. Blessings go out to others and keep coming back to us.
No royal formalities required.
In the comments below, I would be honored if you shared a blessing boomerang you’ve experienced.