Greetings,
In today’s world, the ability to give honor has almost totally vanished. People don’t just disagree with one another, they become so angry they hate anyone who does not share their point of view. They know little about honoring other human beings who have been created in the image and likeness of God. Yet, every promotion we long for is linked to our ability to give honor.
Matthew 10:41-42 (NKJV) – “He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. [42] And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”
If you receive a prophet as a prophet, you will receive a prophet’s reward. Since a prophet is also a righteous man, you can also receive him merely as a righteous man. The problem is that if you do, you will only receive a righteous man’s reward.
Of course, a prophet is also a disciple. You could further underestimate him by only discerning him to be a disciple. Even then an act as small as giving a disciple a cup of water, will guarantee that you receive a reward. God will repay you for your kindness. However, your reward will even be smaller, not because you gave only a cup of water. Rather your reward is less because you recognized him only as a disciple rather than a prophet.
The greater the honor you show, the greater your reward. Discernment matters. As you can see, our rewards are dependent upon the measure of honor we give to others.
Jesus honored His disciples and demonstrated what He considered to be their true worth by kneeling and washing their feet. How well and how often do we honor each other?
Dear Lord, help me to have the discernment I need to see the value You find in people. Let me honor and show them respect. Help me to add value to their lives. Jesus, that’s what You did when we were sinners. You died for us. That’s the ultimate demonstration of honor.
Today, I’m worshiping with Worship Mob and “All Hail King Jesus.”
We love you and are praying for you. Be INSPIRED!
Pastor