Honor Christ

Psalm 16:7-9 (NLT)

7 I will give honor and thanks to the Lord, Who has told me what to do. Yes, even at night my mind teaches me. 8 I have placed the Lord always in front of me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be moved. 9 And so my heart is glad. My soul is full of joy. My body also will rest without fear.

When we keep our eyes upon The Lord it is easy for our hearts to pour out words of thanksgiving just as David did here in these verses. He is reminded that The Lord is always out in front, leading him in life. Not only does The Lord lead, but He stands with us so we can stand firm. It makes our hearts and souls joyful to know The Lord for we can rest without fear of this world or fear of death. Our hearts can be glad in knowing the Lord’s love, grace and mercy.

[We live in a fast-paced culture, but some things just ought to happen slowly.

The book Final Salute tells the story of Major Steve Beck, a U.S. Marine whose heart-wrenching task is to inform the nearest of kin when a Marine is killed in Iraq. Beck doesn't just break the sad news and then leave; for several days he may help the family through the process of the funeral. That includes supervising the Marine honor guard that stands near the fallen soldier's body.

The honor guard learns from Beck how to salute their fallen fellow-Marine as they leave or resume guard with a slow salute that isn't taught in basic training. The slow salute requires a three second raising of the hand to the head, a three second hold, and then a three second lowering of the hand—a gesture of respect that takes about nine times longer than normal. Beck explains: "A salute to your fallen comrade should take time."

Indeed, those who die serving their country are worthy of great honor, worthy of a slow salute, worthy of extra time. To do some things fast, just to get them done so we can move on to the next thing in our lives, sends a subtle message of disrespect.

So it is with our worship of God. God deserves a slow salute. The Savior who gave his life for us is worthy of our time.

[Craig Brian Larson, editor of PreachingToday.com; source: Jim Sheeler, Final Salute (Penguin, 2008); as seen in "Death Comes Knocking," The Week (5-23-08), p. 37]]

Christ fought a battle against sin and defeated death by giving His own life that we may live an eternal life with Him in heaven. Remember to honor Christ and praise Him for the great things He has done.