"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalms 23:1
I love a good British murder mystery. In fact, much of my time during the lockdowns of 2020 were spent doing puzzles while watching the folks across the pond “do each other in” in any number of mysterious ways. And as I write this, I’m deep in a modern day mystery set in a British lord and lady’s castle.
As an American, I find the hierarchical system of British life fascinating. There is a definite caste-like system with every day, less educated people almost bowing their heads to those who are “Oxford Educated” or come from some land owning blood. And while I don’t pretend that fiction is complete reality the theme does run throughout novels and television, whether set in modern times or not.
At times this deference arises out of fear – fear of losing a livelihood usually – and other times out of thankfulness for generosity. While other times it just simply stems from an ingrained respect for our “betters.”
The other day I heard a Christian teacher ask, “How many of us accepted the gift of salvation but have yet to accept Jesus as your Lord?”
And of course, God kept making this point with me the last few days. On day 2 of my new Bible study the concept of having a healthy “fear” of the Lord was the topic.
“The way we relate to the Lord demonstrates the respect we have for Him.”
He Speaks To Me
So today I praise God and His Son Jesus for being my Lord. For being the type of Lord who provides for our needs. For being a gracious landowner and allowing us to be its tenants. For being the type of Lord that is above reproach and deserves our deference. He is the Lord above all lords.
At times of peril we can seek His protection behind His castle walls. At times of abundance He will join in with us in celebration. And when we grieve He grieves with us.
We upstarts in the United States tore ourselves away from the concept of bowing before lords and ladies. To almost a fault we have no respect for “position.” I wonder if that makes it harder for us to bow our heads to the one who deserves our utmost respect? When we get told to “obey” it tends to raise our hackles.
As a Christian I need to put aside any cultural history I may have in my genes and remember that God sits above me, deserving of all glory and honor.
emboldened.net 