HONOR FROM MEN OR THE FATHER
Monday – December 17, 2018, Tevet 9, 5779
Greetings and welcome back faithful friends and partners of this ministry to this ongoing Bible Study. If you are a newcomer to these teachings, to this ministry you also are most welcome. Not every ministry is for everyone that is why there are a variety of ministries with some variation of presentation or emphasis but all teaching Christ Jesus, Him crucified, raised from the dead by our Heavenly Father and again seated as God at the right hand of the Father. As a result, the Blessing is back and available to each born again Christian empowering us to do the things that Jesus did and the greater things. The other wonderful thing is that we are also seated even now at the right hand of the Father in Christ Jesus. We are to be God inside minded and always have the Father’s view on the things of this earth. Oh, what a Savior!!
If you are receiving these teachings on Facebook please hit the “like” and “share” buttons. Also, if you are thinking about becoming a partner of this ministry the first of the year is a wonderful time to do that either with a monthly, quarterly, or a one-time donation. Now let’s turn or attention to our Bible Study lesson from the Book of John by reading the primary text.
John 5:39-44 (KJV)
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
41 I receive not honour from men.
42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
43 I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
This is such a wonderful study of the Book of John, not because I am presenting it but because our Lord is giving us all the Truth that we not stumble and fall. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus let us determine to fall in love with Jesus, with the Word all over again such that it burns within us. The same Anointing, the same Holy Spirit that caused those Words to come alive and burn within them is the same Holy Spirit who will cause the Scripture and these teaching to burn within us as well. We have observed in our study that Jesus talked very plainly to His audiences such that there was very little to no opportunity to misunderstand what He was saying. Jesus was not one to sugar coat the message. The consequences of misunderstanding are too awful to allow for ambiguity. They did not want or like this frank speech and it enraged them. Ambiguity allows one to justify their sin. We see the heathen rage today across America for the evil forces influencing them are raging. We must pray for mercy and light in their lives just as others prayed for us at one time. It is well past time for the Church to arise and take its place which is as a dominating force in America. We can speak a thing and it will be established, and the Lord will give light and establish it. We can squeal and cry before God until the cows come home to no avail. We must stand up as the kings in the earth, speak in faith, by love, led of the Spirit of God, with only one possible outcome in mind.
Well, I got a little off course but it is for us today. Jesus has been telling the Jews who were gathered (and He is speaking to us and the unbelievers of this day) that they believe eternal life is found in the Scripture. He goes on to tell them that the Scriptures speak of Him as the source of eternal life, but they will not believe on Him and come to Him.
Then Jesus goes on to say that He does not receive honor from men. As I have looked at this in various translations of the Bible, looked at the definition of honor, and meditated at what is being said I think we can easily take away a wrong impression. I do not believe that Jesus is saying that He would not or could not receive honor from men (people) but He is saying that is not His objective and if He is not honored by people that is okay. He is seeking to receive honor from the Father in His obedience to the will of the Father. This is our same objective. If we are honored by those around us that is wonderful and we can appreciate it however that honor can shift like the wind, but the honor of the Father is greater and does not shift like the wind. Let’s take a look at this verse in the Amplified Bible.
John 5:41 (AMP)
41 I receive not glory from men [I crave no human honor, I look for no mortal fame],
Perhaps like you I enjoy a pat on the back, words of affirmation when I have presented a teaching but the most important pat on the back is from my Father. When I know that I have said what the Father said I can rest in Him. When I ask Him, Father did I say what you wanted said and I get that “yes, David, you did well” that is the greatest honor of all, the greatest affirmation of all. I believe this is what Jesus is saying that day. To further support that let’s look at the following definition of honor. The word primarily means a thought or opinion, especially favorable human opinion, according to The Complete Word Study Dictionary – New Testament. In other words, the honor of men is not necessary for one, in this case Jesus, to go on. However, this is a powerful lesson for us all, to not depend on the approval or honor of man but of God. Sometimes, the Lord calls upon me to say things that I would rather not say, and those Words from God are not always well received. When I am obedient, I can walk away knowing I have honored the Father, and He will honor me.
Until our next publication, as a Bible Teacher and Prophetic Voice I speak this blessing over each and every one of you, receive it by faith in Jesus name!
Numbers 6:24-26 (AMP)
24 The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you;
26 The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).
By: Dr. David Wood, Author, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
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