[Wisdom of Solomon] Five Courses on a Table for TwoSample

Raise the Flag!

In England stands Windsor Castle. It is the oldest and largest castle to have people occupying it. It is also known as one of the residences of the monarchs in England. How do you know if they’re there that day? All you must do is look to see if the royal flag, the Union Jack, is flying. If they are not there, it will be at half-mast.

In a growing relationship and our next course in the meal, the flag of being publicly proud of your loved one must fly! Solomon’s wife said that his banner was over her. This means Solomon wanted everyone to know that he was hers and she was his. Though he was the wisest and one of the wealthiest kings ever to live, Solomon wanted to make it known that he delighted in her. Do you do this with your loved one? Do you wear your wedding ring? Do you make it evident that you are off the market and don’t care who finds out? This leads to publicly praising our significant other. Saying one thing in private but not showing it in public shows that there is a sense of embarrassment or lack of commitment to each other.

God has shown his love for us in public. When Jesus came down and became one of us, lived like us, died for us, and then rose again, He publicly shamed the wisdom of the world, saying I did this for them, I came to seek and save the lost. We get to be known by God, and God knows us. Jesus prayed for you in the garden and made sure that it would be recorded. Our identity is no longer the same: we were dead, but He has made us alive. We know that His banner flies over us. His protection is there for us. His love will never leave us, and we can rest and be confident in it.

The ways in which our Lord and Savior has publicly shown love for us should stir us to love others the same way—in public, as well as in private. Jesus’ example should push us not to be ashamed but instead lavish our spouse or significant other with praise. Don’t miss opportunities to praise in public. Ask the Lord to make you more aware so that you can show not just by private words but public ones as well that you truly love them. Raise that flag! Let the praise of your loved ones fly, and let your good deeds done to the glory of God our Father fly as well.

Thought for today: Which flag have you been flying lately? Is it obvious who you belong to and who belongs to you?