Church today was nothing short of spirit moving, convicting, encouraging, and stretching----it was better than any work out I've had! The pastor today was preaching on Honor (to be honest...I secretly rolled my eyes when he announced the new series---figured I've got that area covered so how about something new....)
Pastor opened the sermon by talking about the honor that the soldiers have for the tomb in Arlington Ceremony for the unknown soldiers. The guards of the tomb sign on for a 2 year commitment which in the first 6 months they cannot speak to anyone, drink alcohol, use swear words---it's intense. They spend the first 6 months studying the unknown soldiers--learning the history of the war they were killed in. They then prepare for 5 hours daily before marching in front of the tomb for at most 60 minutes. Pastor was illustrating the honor that they show for these men who have died but are not identified. WHOA.
(tomb for the unknown soldiers in Arlington)
On to the even better part---Pastor spoke from Samuel, Matthew and Luke today. He covered a lot of ground sharing scripture that requires us to show honor to our government, those above us AND below us, and most importantly honor to God. What really hit it home for me was the story of David and King Saul.
(1 Samuel 24)
The King had been trying to kill David for over 13 years. David had the opportunity to kill the King when his guard was down and DIDN'T!! (I'm pretty sure I would have) Instead...while the King was pooping in a cave, David snuck up and cut the corner from his robe. David then returned to his men but felt guilt for allowing the King to be wearing a robe with part of the material missing (this was humiliation for the King. So...David confesses to King Saul that he could have killed him but instead took part of his robe....he called to Saul "my lord the king" acknowledging his authority and position and honored him.
The King then recognizes that David is a Godly man and tells him he wont try to kill him again. Of course as any good episode of 24 goes....the King goes back on his word and sets out to kill David once more. To make a long story short---David has another opportunity to kill Saul and does not....HONOR HONOR HONOR. David honored the King even though this King was out to kill him.
David did not seek revenge-he knew that he was to honor the king at all cost and God would handle the rest. "May the Lord judge between you and me and may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you."
The sermon I didn't think I needed to hear was exactly what God wanted me to hear. I have some heart issues I need to repent for in the area of Honor. I think my perception needs a little adjustment especially when it comes to honoring those I'm not a huge fan of (only a few).
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