READ: JEREMIAH 17: 5-8
“Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.” (V. 7-8)
It’s always a humbling experience to attend the solemn ceremony, during the first week of May, honoring the 21 officers and one K-9 who gave their lives in service to the citizens of Montgomery County, Maryland. While their branches were shorn from the active law enforcement tree, their sacrifices flowed down into the roots making them larger and stronger. Roots that firmly anchor the tree in the soil of American democracy and freedom. Roots made to withstand every tempest and storm. Roots of assurance and confidence that keep men and women on the job 24 hours every day and willing to lay it all down to “Protect and Serve!”
The roots of the law enforcement tree are Honor, Integrity, Dedication, Faithfulness, Loyalty and Sacrifice. Honor characterized by profound respect and value for the rule of law officers are sworn to uphold. It is expressed by an attitude of a continual belief, reverence and love. Integrity characterized through upright character and undivided devotion to the truth. Faithfulness and Loyalty characterized by unwavering commitment to their duties no matter the challenge or the cost. Dedication characterized by the rejection of passivity; the acceptance of responsibility; to act with moral and physical courage; and the desire to make a difference in their community, state or nation. Sacrifice characterized by self-less service and the heart driven willingness to surrender their lives rather than swerving from the path of duty as symbolized by the 27,400 names, and counting, on the National Police Memorial Wall!
The roots of law enforcement go hand in hand with the roots of our Judeo-Christian Faith. Roots anchored by our heart driven and publicly expressed belief in God and Jesus (Romans 10: 8-9). Roots secured by our complete active reliance on God rather than on human understanding (Proverbs 3: 5-6). Roots that grow through our unwavering loyalty, commitment and truthfulness with God, the source of everything in our lives (Lamentations 3:22-23 1 Corinthians 10:13). Roots of obedience that mark our loving voluntary response to God’s leading. These roots, marked by active service, reflect our love and faith for him and show we value His word. He sacrificed his Son for us, (John 3:16), and by taking up our crosses and following Jesus, (Matthew 16:24-26), we show our deep reverence, love and honor for God!
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Our roots of faith are deeply intertwined with every facet of our lives. They are defined by Belief, Trust, Commitment, Loyalty, Faithfulness and Obedience. When is the last time you fed them?
Dear Jesus, thank you for being the living water for my roots of faith. Help me sink them ever deeper into your soil of love and salvation.