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Grace for Living This One Verse

Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 1 Pet. 2:17

Lord Jesus, we begin this work-week grateful for the privilege of partnering with you in making all things new. Humbled by the joy of calling you Bridegroom. Mindful of the pressing need for us to live and love to your glory.

This one verse from Peter gives us our relational bearings and lanes. Of the 4 commands, fearing God will determine how we view the other 3. By the riches of the Gospel, we revere you as the Ruler of the kings of the earth, sovereign over nano-second and “quark” (smallest particle). You also happen to be our servant-Savior, gentle and lowly in your dealings with us.

Since all mankind is your creation, Lord Jesus, show us how to show respect to others, even when we see the world, values, and eternity so differently. We begin this Monday in the US, week with both a glorious model of this, and a recipe for disaster. Supreme Court Justices, Ruth Ginsberg and Antonin Scalia, were so different, yet so endearing in their mutual regard and friendship.

We in “the family of believers” don’t just have a chance, but a calling to steward our response to Mrs. Ginsberg’s death. Will we join the feeding frenzy, slander-fest, and rule of disorder, that’s about to get ramped up? Or will we live as though heaven’s throne is occupied and our truest citizenship is above?

In Peter’s day, honoring the emperor was challenging, for it was Nero. No matter our sitting “emperor” now, or after November 3rd, 2020, free us as your people to live honorably, pray faithfully, and serve you sacrificially. So very Amen we pray, in your gentle and kingly name.

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