Honor

Jer 5:24  It never occurs to them to say, 'How can we honor our GOD with our 

	lives, The God who gives rain in both spring and autumn and maintains the 

	rhythm of the seasons, Who sets aside time each year for harvest and keeps 

	everything running smoothly for us?' 


Honor:

To reverence; to manifest the highest veneration for, in words and actions; to 

entertain the most exalted thoughts of; to worship; to adore. (Webster's)


	He was on his way to a job interview that, from the ad information, was 

exactly what he'd been looking for. He'd actually spoken with the business owner 

on the phone when he called to set up the interview. He had been very impressed 

with how warm and friendly the owner was, fully understanding and relating to 

everywhere he'd been and all he had done. Just by talking with him, there was an 

indication that he knew completely everything about which he talked, and that he 

had a strong appreciation and respect for diligence and excellence at all times. 

Actually meeting this successful businessman was something he looked forward to. 

He already had an image of him, dressed in an expensive suit and sitting behind 

an expansive desk, reaching out his hand and inviting him to join the business. 

He would definitely need to make a good impression, though, if he were to ever 

have the chance to experience that. He had prepared his freshly cleaned suit and 

polished shoes the night before, had a haircut, and was right now looking, 

according to his own speculation, just about as good as he'd ever looked. He had 

brought his laptop with him and, upon boarding the subway at the remote stop 

near his home, had easily found a bench seat where he could sit and go over the 

information he would need to communicate in just a few moments. 

	Intensely focused on his studies, he didn't even notice halfway into his 

commute, this short, balding man board the train. As every other seat was now 

occupied, the man had approached the other side of the bench with the intension 

of sitting down. When he did sit down, he created just enough of a distraction 

to pull the studying job seeker from his reviewing, and to cause him to notice 

this stranger. He appeared to be in at least his fifties and his clothes were a 

bit disheveled as if he'd worn them through a night on the couch. He did seem to 

be friendly enough, even though his scraggly beard and oily hair made the 

aspiring job owner wonder if he were able to shower. He thought briefly of how 

some people just lived on different levels and that this man next to him, if 

ever he'd known any success, had most certainly fallen to this level that was 

certainly below what he would ever tolerate in his own life. So, to the small 

attempts at conversation from the old man, he just gave a mumbled response that 

he hoped would diffuse any further conversation. After all, he really didn't 

have any time for conversations. He had to be prepared for this important 

interview. The old man got off at the stop right before his, but of course he 

didn't really notice, He would soon have to exit himself. and there were just a 

few more things he needed to cover. 

	He had planned to arrive 30 minutes early just so he could find the 

location and relax just a bit before his appointment. So, when he took the 

elevator to the floor of his new prospective employer, he was very confident 

that he was well prepared and surely the best possible candidate for this 

position he wanted so much. Since his would be the first appointment of the 

morning, his wait was not long and he was soon led down the hall to the office 

of "his new boss". The office was very much as he'd imagined, with everything 

immaculately placed and nothing out of order. The large chair behind the desk 

was not occupied, but he was asked to take a seat in the chair in front of it. 

Even though it was just a couple minutes, it seemed like an hour before the door 

opened behind him and he stood to turn and greet the business owner. From where 

his eyes expected to see the tall man he'd imagined, they had to lower in order 

to observe the man before him. Well groomed and dressed perfectly, he was still 

this unexpected shorter, balding man that didn't quite fill half of the image 

that he'd so clearly formed. As the man extended his hand to him, he was 

wondering if maybe this were just an associate coming to give him a pre-

interview, until he introduced himself and, sure enough, this was the man with 

whom he'd spoken.  And, as their conversation commenced, he realized that what 

had seemed remotely familiar about this man was that look in his eye when he 

spoke. He couldn't believe it. This was the same man he'd sat next to on the 

subway. 

	So, what does it really take for there to be honor given? Is it enough for 

the one honored to be great, with an endless list of accomplishments? Do they 

just need to possess extraordinary wealth and beauty, a high level of education, 

and superior wisdom? It seems that none of these things will gain any honor as 

long as there is never a clear perception of their existence. The most powerful, 

wealthy, and accomplished person will mean nothing to the one who has no 

knowledge of or appreciation for his qualities. He will not be treated with any 

level of respect or honor and will probably be ignored altogether, until there 

is a full exposure of his significance.  The more his virtues are brought to 

light, though, and as more appreciation is gained through personal interaction, 

the more honor will be naturally given. 

	We are on the subway with the One who "made the shorelines to contain the 

ocean waters", "drew a line in the sand that cannot be crossed. Waves roll in 

but cannot get through: breakers crash but that's the end of them." He's really 

quite an extraordinary individual, the Creator of the Universe, the true Owner 

of all wealth and possessions, and the One who knows all, sees all and holds all 

in the span of His hand. He has taken the seat right next to us and quietly 

attempts to gain a portion of our attention. For every acknowledgement of His 

presence, He has waiting the most rewarding encounter that will enhance and lift 

us far beyond the limits of worldly focus. As appreciation for His greatness is 

given its place above other honors of this world, there is an ability gained to 

honor Him with our very lives. Our perception of Him made ever more clear, we 

are taken to a place where our every word and motion is effected by intense 

awareness of the nearness of His greatness. Transformed in our vision, He will 

be seen and worshiped for who He really is, the King of kings and Lord of lord, 

the One who loves us infinitely. 



5/11/04