Matthew 13:54-58
He came to His hometown and began teaching them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” And he did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.
Matthew 10:41
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.
One of the greatest challenges we face in these Last Days, is being willing and able to show honor where honor is due. When we hold back the honor that is due another, we end up losing out on the blessing of that person’s gifting. As with Jesus in His hometown, they could not “receive” from Him, and didn’t gain the reward of His anointing. The restoration that is occurring in these Last Days is truly remarkable, because gifts and callings that have long since been “dishonored” in the church, are beginning to be recognized again. The exciting part being this: The church that honors, will be greatly rewarded!
Honor, in Greek, means to recognize, value and respect. When we fail to recognize, value and respect righteous men and women among us, we lose the reward of that righteous person (their blessing to us). When we fail to recognize, value and respect those who are called and gifted of God to lead, we lose the reward (blessing) of that leader’s gifting and anointing. In other words, dishonor, will result in us not being able to receive that which the Holy Spirit is imparting through a minister’s life! The root cause of most dishonor in the church, is unbelief. Many simply don’t believe that God has gifted someone else to minister to them. Especially if it is someone who is ministering in true kingdom ministry, in the Spirit and power of God; in the realm of the miraculous (healing, deliverance, signs and wonders).
As we have recently discovered, we must have a “righteous identity” if we are to truly prosper in our soul. As we cast off our old identity of sin and unrighteousness, and put on the “new self” who is created in Christ, we are able to behold the new things that have come and see the old things passing away. We are no longer living for our old self, and we are now able to live a new life, in the Spirit, for Jesus! To take this truth a step further, we must also learn “to recognize one another” after the Spirit, and not the flesh! If you only recognize me according to the flesh, you will struggle to believe that I am God’s choice vessel to minister His blessing to you. You will not be able to honor.
II Corinthians 5:14-17
For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
When we learn to “prefer one another” in honor (Rom 12:10), we will be able to receive the righteous reward of being in a righteous family, the family of God! In the church we are called to be joined to one another (in Christ), and as we do this from a place of honor, there will be a promised reward of blessing. How do we look at one another in the church? According to the flesh or the Spirit? Do we value our brothers and sisters in the Lord? I challenge you with these questions, because much of the glory of our inheritance is found in those who have been made righteous in Christ Jesus! Paul prayed (Eph 1:18) that we would have a revelation of the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints!
Those in Jesus’ hometown actually became offended at Him, because they could only see Him according to the flesh (His brothers, sisters, mother and father). They saw him as a mere man, a carpenter’s son, and not the Son of God! And because they refused to show honor, where honor was due, they were unable to receive the full reward of having Him minister in their midst. We have seen the Spirit of the Lord call and raise up more and more, the ministry of the apostle and prophet in these Last Days. This is exciting, because the church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Eph 2:20-22). Hallelujah! Jesus is building and fitting us together, that we may grow into a holy temple in Him – a dwelling of God in the Spirit! This “fitting together” cannot be accomplished unless we have Jesus as the cornerstone (to establish us), and the stability of an apostolic and prophetic foundation (to succeed).
II Chronicles 20:20
Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the Lord your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.
To fully prosper (to succeed), we must have the ministry of the prophet in our life and in the church. The prophet’s reward is – prophetic words from God (words of knowledge, wisdom, encouragement, direction) by which we succeed.
We are officially “setting in” our elders this coming Sunday morning. This will be a powerful time “to honor” these men and women (elder couples) who have faithfully helped shepherd the flock at Freedom Gate Church. Prophet Bob and Liz Anderson will be ministering in this special service. Dr. Tom and Sharon Gossett of Indian Trails Ministries will be with us also. I want all of you in the Freedom Gate family to receive a prophet’s reward on Sunday. I encourage you to not only attend the service, but to come to show honor to God’s servants. Come in faith (expecting to receive), and come to honor (recognizing, respecting and valuing God’s gift).
Galatians 6:6-7
The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
When you join us on Sunday, also bring a special offering to sow into and bless the prophet of God; and believe with us that he will have a word from God for us at Freedom Gate Church! See you on Sunday!
Blessings,
Pastor Rick
Hi rick, long time no see. I’ve missed you.when you get time send me an e-mail and let me know about your ministry.
07.11.2010, 11:39 am