WISDOM FOR LIVING DEVOTIONAL
OCTOBER 10, 2020
TOPIC: HONOUR THE SERVANTS OF GOD
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 servants of God to make people dishonour them, exploiting different factors, but, 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 never throw away the baby with the bathwater. We must never 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 servant who genuinely repents of His sin, but those who persist in willful sins face the consequences of their actions here on earth and, more importantly, the danger of hellfire. Furthermore, the self-called and devil called ministers causing havoc in the body of Christ must repent or they’ll end in hellfire, no matter the titles they answer.
Nonetheless, before then, we must never despise the true servants of God because of the misbehaviour of others. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says to honour servants of God. We should honour them because some of them risk their lives for the work of Christ (Philippians 2:29) and the gospel ministry is a noble work (1 Timothy 3:1).
We should also honour them because ministers of God are gifts from Christ (Ephesians 4:11). They’re appointed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28) and are accountable to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus (1 Peter 5:2-4; Hebrews 13:17). Though they’re not perfect because they’re still human beings, we must honour them.
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). They were fed by the government! Their land was not bought by Joseph in exchange for food unlike what happened to other Egyptians (Genesis 47:12-26b).
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 cheats those who dishonour servants of God. The anointing upon them can’t bless such people. That happened in the ministry of Jesus. He could do no mighty miracles in home town because they despised Him He said a prophet is not without honour except in his own country and among his own 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 or double salary. Obey them 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 servants of God, 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’re in the right position to do 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, the she-bears mauled 45 youths who dishonoured Elisha (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. I urge you to take the following steps: *Admit you are a sinner and you 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 resurrected 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 will need to 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 the palm tree and grow like the 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 the servants of God; 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 300 in-depth and powerful messages by T. O. Banso, visit www.cedarministry.org).
T. O. Banso is the President, Cedar Ministry International, Abuja, Nigeria.
Phone No: +2348155744752, +2348033113523
WhatsApp No: +2349081295947
Email: cedarministryintl@yahoo.com,
cedarministryng@gmail.com
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