HONOR IN GOOD TIMES AND IN CRISIS. HONOR TO ALL
Blessed are those who have regard for the weak;
the LORD delivers them in times of trouble.
The LORD protects and preserves them—
they are counted among the blessed in the land—
he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.
The LORD sustains them on their sickbed
and restores them from their bed of illness.
Psalms 41:1-3
Blessed are you if you have regard for the poor in good or in bad times. And even if sickness strikes you, the Lord will restore you.
There are people who are constantly stuck in troubles because they never show any regard for the weak and the poor in good or in bad times.
And in the times we are facing now, there are plenty people who have become vulnerable.
The times we are facing are times where we ought to carry honor.
As you read this post, I want you to look at the description of the term honor.
In Proverbs 3:9-10, the Bible says:
‘Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the first fruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.’
It is funny how some of us like to define the expression ‘honor the Lord’ in our own words. Regardless of how we may argue about the manner in which we honor God, it will be God’s definition that must supersede our own concepts. God has already described how He wants to be honored. We don’t get to define how He wants to be honored…He has already done it.
In Proverbs 3:9-10, we understand that Honor given to God has to do something with showing regards to God with our best gift.
And then in Exodus 20:12 God says:
‘Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you’.
Honor refers to showing regards, consideration and respect. For many of us, parents have grown old and weak and we have to honor them through a considerate attitude. That means showing respect, showing regards and even assisting them materially (without expecting to be paid back).
Honoring our parents does not mean that we will agree on everything with them. Disagreements easily occur within families.But even if we fall in disagreement with our parents, we should do it with honor (respect).
One of the most fascinating prayer, also called the prayer of Jabez, is often skipped in its explanation. As a result, many will just repeat the prayer of Jabez while forgetting to read the entire passage that speaks about Jabez. Let us read it:
(verse 9) Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” (verse 10) And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.
( 1 Chronicles 4:9-10)
We can enjoy repeating the prayer of Jabez as mentioned from verse 10. And there is nothing wrong with repeating the prayer of Jabez. But it is important to read the whole story of Jabez. If we read from verse 9, the Bible says that Jabez was MORE HONORABLE than his brothers. In other words, Jabez was:
a) Bringing more honor
b) Deserving of more honor
And then he did the famous prayer.
It becomes clear that Jabez was man of honor. And God even says:’…I will honor those who honor Me. But those who despise Me, I will disdain. (1 Samuel 2:30)
The terms ‘ disdain and despise’ are the total opposite of ‘honor’.
So let us have regards and consideration (honor) for the weak and poor,
Let us honor God (as He wants to be honored),
Let us honor our parents,
Let us honor each other(reference Romans 12:10)
If you sow disregard, disdain and despise, then you will reap the same.
But if you sow honor to God, God will honor you (reference 1 Samuel 2:30) and He will even increase you in abundance (Reference Proverbs 3:9-10)
If you give honor to your parents , you will live long (ref. Exodus 20:12)
If you show regards(honor) for the weak/poor, God will remember you in times of trouble and He will sustain you in your sickbed (reference Psalms 41:1-3).
And as you show honor to people (reference Romans 12:10), may God consider you as honorable just like the Scriptures described Jabez.
Honor, honor ,honor.