WISDOM FOR LIVING DAILY DEVOTIONAL
AUGUST 23, 2024
TOPIC: HONOUR GOD’S SERVANTS
BY T. O. BANSO
“Only the land of the priests he did not buy; for the priests had rations allotted to them by Pharaoh, and they ate their rations which Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their lands” (Genesis 47:22 New King James Version).
There is an attack by the devil against God’s servants to make people dishonour them for various reasons, most especially, the excesses or failures of some ministers of God or those who parade themselves as such.
While one is not saying that all ministers are doing what is right according to the Bible, we must not throw the baby out with the bath water. We must not condemn a servant of God because of one error he has made, which is different from being guilty of a sinful lifestyle.
God forgives His servants who genuinely repent of their sins, but those who persist in willful sins will face the consequences here on earth and, more important, the danger of hellfire. Furthermore, those not called by God causing problems in the body of Christ must repent or they will end in hellfire, no matter the titles they answer.
Nonetheless, before then, people must not despise the true servants of God because of the misbehaviour of others. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says to honour servants of God. “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 New King James Version). Also, people should honour them because the gospel ministry is a noble or good work (1 Timothy 3:1) and some of them risk their lives for the work of Christ (Philippians 2:27-29).
Furthermore, people should honour God’s servants because they are gifts from Christ (Ephesians 4:11). They are appointed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28) and are accountable to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus (1 Peter 5:2-4; Hebrews 13:17). Although they are not perfect because they are still human beings, they should be honoured.
In Egypt, during the time of Joseph, the Bible tells us how pagan priests were treated with honour, especially during the seven years of famine. “Only the land of the priests he did not buy; for the priests had rations allotted to them by Pharaoh, and they ate their rations which Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their lands” (Genesis 47:22 New King James Version). The Egyptian priests were fed by the government! Joseph did not buy their land in exchange for food unlike what happened to the other Egyptians (Genesis 47:12-26).
If among the pagans, there was an honour for their priests, the followers of Christ must honour their ministers. Surprisingly, some non-Christians even honour ministers of God more than some Christians do. Some Christians only honour the ministers in their denominations or assemblies. It should not be so.
The devil robs those who dishonour God’s servants of some blessings. The anointing upon them can’t bless such people. That happened in the ministry of Jesus. He could do no mighty miracles in His home town because they despised Him. He said a prophet was not without honour except in his country and among his people (Matthew 13:54-58; Mark 6:1-6).
If you receive a servant of God with honour, you’ll be blessed. “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” (Matthew 10:41 New King James Version).
1 Timothy 5:17 says the elders (pastors) who rule well, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching should be counted for a double honour. Double honour could mean twofold honour, double salary, or ample honorarium. Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them. “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17 New King James Version).
Don’t join those who dishonour God’s servants, speaking ill of them because of some sins they were reported to have committed. Be careful: you don’t have all the details. Even if it is true, don’t become a mouthpiece of the devil, broadcasting what gladdens his heart. Leave the discipline of an erring minister to those who are qualified to administer it.
Moses’ sister, Miriam, became leprous for seven days for dishonouring him (Numbers 12). The earth swallowed Korah, Dathan, and Abiram for conspiring against Moses (Numbers 16). Fire killed their 250 supporters while they were offering incense (verse 35). The plague also killed 14,700 sympathizers of these people (verses 42-49). Similarly, after Elisha had cursed the youths who dishonoured him by mocking and making fun of him, two she-bears mauled forty-two of them (2 Kings 2:23-24).
Honour God’s servants.
TAKE ACTION!
If you are not born again, you need to give your life to Jesus now. Take the following steps: *Admit that you are a sinner and cannot save yourself and repent of your sins. *Confess Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. *Renounce your past way of life – your relationship with the devil and his works. *Invite Jesus into your life. *As a mark of seriousness to mature in the faith, start attending a Bible-believing and Bible-teaching church. There they will teach you how to grow in the Kingdom of God.
Kindly say this prayer now: O Lord God, I come unto You today. I know I am a sinner and I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross to save me and God raised Him on the third day. I repent of my sins and confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. I surrender my life to Jesus now and invite Him into my heart. By this prayer, I know I am saved. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me and making me a child of God.
I believe you have said this prayer from your heart. Congratulations! You must join a Bible-believing and Bible-teaching church in your area where they will teach you how to live your new life in Christ Jesus. I pray that you flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon. May you grow into Christ in all things and become all God wants you to be. I will be glad to hear from you. The Lord be with you.
PRAYER POINTS: I shall honour God’s servants; I shall not become the devil’s mouthpiece to broadcast the failures of any minister. Father, help Your servants to live a life of honour; deliver them from any behaviour that can bring them and their offices into dishonour. Your servants shall bring honour to Your name and not dishonour in Jesus’ name.
(For over 900 in-depth and powerful messages by T. O. Banso, visit www.cedarministry.org).
T. O. Banso is the President of Cedar Ministry International, Abuja, Nigeria.
Phone No: +2348155744752, +2348033113523
WhatsApp No: +2349081295947
Email: cedarministryintl@yahoo.com,
cedarministryng@gmail.com
Website: www.cedarministry.org
