Rhapsody of Realities TeeVo Devotional 7th August – Honour To Whom It’s Due

(Esteem Your Pastors And Leaders Very Highly)

TO THE BIBLE: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NIV
“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work….”

LET’S TALK
“Why do you all get up from your chairs whenever the Pastor walks in? I feel like you worship him.” Lola, one of the new converts, queried.

“No, we don’t,” Lauren answered with a kind smile. “However, he serves and represents Jesus; he deserves all the honour we can accord him.”

Some people get offended when we do things in the wisdom of God to honour God’s ministers, for instance, standing up in honour and reverence when a minister of God walks in. However, there’re truths in the Word of God for us to discover and apply in our personal lives; otherwise, you’ll never walk in the blessings they bring.

One of them is honouring those whom God has set above you and are responsible for your spiritual growth. Understand that the respect you accord your pastor or leader is why his words, message, and blessings that he gives stay with you. Also, when you honour a man of God, you aren’t doing it for a man, but for the Lord.

Jesus said in Matthew 10:40-41, “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. 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.”

If the people of the world would stand up in honour when the president of their nation, whom they voted into office, walks in, how much more a man sent by God? Unlike political leaders, God’s ministers have the mandate to strengthen, inspire and edify God’s people in the Word, and for that reason deserve greater honour.

1 Timothy 5:17 tells us that those who teach us God’s Word are worthy of double praise and recognition. If you love Jesus, you’ll love those He sends. Don’t join scoffers to malign or resent ministers of God sent to bless and nurture you in the Word.

Go Deeper
Hebrews 13:7; 1 Corinthians 15:33

Pray:
Dear Father, thank you for showing me the essence of honouring those you’ve ordained to nurture me spiritually. I express my love and reverence for you as I honour and follow their divine counsel. Thus, your blessings rest upon me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Romans 9:30-10:1-21, Psalm 78
TWO YEAR
Ephesians 6:21-24, Isaiah 58

Act:
Outline three (3) ways in which you would honour your pastors and leaders, and faithfully execute them.