What Goes Around, Comes Around
Good Morning Friends,
On Saturday we had our garage sale at church. It has become institutionalized as an annual event that occurs each Saturday after Easter to benefit the Church’s Music Ministry. We worked hard but it pays off in all sorts of ways. The event, among the many things it does, helps to underwrite the cost of our bell choirs. It reminded me to be thankful for the work of the event and what it helps to make possible. It reminded me that funds from the event, a few years ago, helped to fund our Moorings Ringers, including my family, to go to Australia to play handbell music with others around the world. It reminded me of learning from a native how to throw a boomerang. And that reminded me as an inspiration and illustration for today’s devotional that, like the cycle of the handbell with arm extending to the strike point and returning, like the cycle of years and the path of a boomerang… What Goes Around, Comes Around.
Scripture: The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns. All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again.
Ecclesiastes 1:6-7
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew: 5:1-11 (NRSV)
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.
Proverbs 26:27
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
Galatians 6:7
Message: Ok today’s devotional is more than a Justin Timberlake song. And yes, I know that the title’s phrase does not appear in the Bible but I am also aware that its message is reflected in all sorts of scripture from the Sermon on the Mount to the Bible’s wisdom literature and even Paul’s letters as guidance for the churches. Friends, there is a consequence for just about everything and sometimes there are unintended consequences even for acts of justice. Behind it all is a spiritual principle that applies to both believers and unbelievers. What we sow, we will reap. Grace saves us from the ultimate harvest our sin deserves, but it doesn’t remove the consequences of our actions. In some ways Jesus just makes consequences insignificant but they are still important. We may desperately desire a blessing and want what is good, but if we take it into our own hands we muck it up in ways that can bring disappointment, heartache, and fighting. We should be careful what we sow. If we are judgmental, we will reap judgment. If we are malicious we will reap the same. The beauty is that it works for good as well. If we seek to sow love and faithfulness, we will reap love and faithfulness – eventually. Maybe not right away, maybe not even where we sowed it, but it will come back to us…perhaps even in sweat harmonies of heavenly music calling angels to receive their wings.
Pray we realize that what goes around comes around. Pray we stop being so manipulative of people. Pray we prevent ourselves from taking advantage of others. Pray we believe that God is the best way. Pray we realize that integrity is more important than results. Pray we believe that God will take care of the consequences. Pray we realize the benefits of music as a ministry. Pray we sow peace and love with the Spirit of Jesus.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 