Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
Romans 13: 7 English Standard Version
Today is Veteran’s Day: a day on which we honor those have served our country by serving in a branch of the United States military.
This verse from Paul’s letter to the Church at Roman speaks of paying what it owed: our debts. These can be financial debts, like income taxes. However, sometimes what we owe cannot be measured in dollars and cents. Instead, we may owe a debt of gratitude, respect and honor. We would do well to offer up our sincerest thanks and our greatest respect.
Veteran’s Day is a day when we, as a nation, recognize that we enjoy the blessings of our freedoms because of those who have served in our country's military. This year in Wenatchee we will not be peacefully honoring our Veterans with a parade (due to Covid), but we can still express our support to those individuals we know who are veterans, or who are currently serving our country. We can drop off a plate of cookies, or a bouquet of flowers, or we can simply give them a call, letting them know that we remember them and thank them for their service. You can express to the family members of veterans that you are keeping their loved one in your thoughts and prayers today.
“Respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” This passage was written centuries ago, but it is relevant not just today for our Veterans, but every day. There are many people in our lives that cross our path, who humbly and quietly perform acts which deserve respect and honor. When you notice such blessing, your simple “thank you” will delight their hearts.
Today and every day, lift up in a grateful prayer for our Veterans who have protected our country. Reward with heartfelt appreciation all who have earned our respect and honor. Let us “show respect to those to whom respect is owed, and honor those to whom honor is owed.”
Prayer
Lord,
We thank you for those who have served in our military, offering us the blessings of freedom, including freedom to worship You as we choose. May we find ways in our lives to show respect and honor to all who have earned those accolades. Thank You, Lord, for each person’s life which has paved the way for our freedom. Yet even more, Jesus, we thank You for Your life, death, and resurrection, which sets us all free.
We pray this prayer humbly in Your name. Amen
