Week Twenty-Seven, 2018

You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for you have created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created (Revelation 4:11).

As I was walking down a hotel hallway, I noticed four older men sitting around a table laughing and having a good time. Then I noticed that they all had blue ribbons around their necks and I recognized them as Medals of Honor.

I walked over to them to thank them for their service to our country, They all were joking and ribbing each other about which was the best branch of the armed forces. I stood in awe as I thought what these men had endured to protect our freedom.

The Medal of Honor honors those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Since 1863 it has been awarded 3,517 times, including 19 double recipients. Most awards are posthumous. As of this year there are only 71 living recipients. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. It is generally presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress.

The Bible talks about honor as well. Many who have gone above and beyond to protect and preserve our faith over the years are worthy of honor, but Jesus gave His life for all the world both then and forever. We are told to honor him in many ways.

As a noun, honor in the Bible means “esteem, value, or great respect.” To honor someone is to value him highly or bestow value upon him. The Bible exhorts us to express honor and esteem toward certain people: our parents, the aged, and those in authority. But we must understand that all authority and honor belong to God alone. Though He can delegate His authority to others, it still belongs to Him.

How will you show honor to the Lord your God this very day?

THE BIBLE GIVES US:

Most Christians are like a bad photograph, over exposed and under developed.

If you’re a leader, be even more vigilant about protecting your integrity. Jim Dennison

Salvation comes in an instant, but sanctification is a journey. Pastor Matt Blair

God has not changed; people have changed.