Changing of the Guard

​Stockholm Palace is located on Stadsholmen in Gamla Stan (the old town).  The first building was a fortress with a tower built in the 13thcentury by Birger Jarl to defend Lake Malaren.  Ever since the early 16th century, the palace has been guarded by members of the Swedish Armed Forces.  Several times a week a special changing of the guard is observed by the public.  

At 1:00 p.m., I listened to the sounds of a drum and bugle corps approaching on the cobblestone road.  Slowly and precisely they marched into view, crossed the stone floor in the central plaza, and took their assigned place.  Then the incoming unit relieved the outgoing unit. As the leaders barked out their commands the drummers struck up the beat that allowed each formation to keep in step as they moved to their new positions.  It was a well-practiced drill that the crowd enjoyed.  At the conclusion of the changing of the guard the band marched forward and performed a concert of three songs.
 
Meditation
Ephesians 4:15,16—But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head —Christ. From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.
 
If there was no band it would be hard for the units to keep in step as they moved into position.  If there were no units the playing of the band would be pointless. In essence, both parts are essential or the ceremony would be as interesting as attending a horse race with no jockeys.  Each soldier and band member fill an important role.  Some are quite visible while others remain hidden in the ranks. Similarly, we each play a role in serving each other for the good of God’s Kingdom. 
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What is important is not whether the crowd recognizes you and me for our contribution but rather that we understand that our presence and action are valuable.  God is glorified by the whole of our contribution and man best sees Him when we best fulfill the role He gives us.   Whether we are guards in reserve, the trumpet section, officers barking the orders, or drummers, what we do matters.  So be encouraged—God is watching and unlike people, He sees everything! “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God's glory” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
 
Inspiration
Never, in peace or war, commit your virtue or your happiness to the future.  Happy work is best done by the man who takes his long-term plans somewhat lightly and works from moment to moment “as to the Lord.”—C.S. Lewis in The Weight of Glory 
 
©2011 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)