Hebrews – Learning to get out of the way, but ON the Way…

Respect. We all want it. Aretha Franklin sings about it. “R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find out what it means to me!” We just want someone else to give us the dignity we feel we deserve. We humans do not want to be taken for granted. We try to earn it from others. We want to know we are valued. We are a bit self-centered. Mmm.

Respect is showing others they are important by what you say and do. So, maybe a better question to ask ourselves is, do we show respect in sincerity, with a grateful heart for others, who give so tireless to us so that we will know God more? The writer of Hebrews, is giving good advice about showing respect and giving worth to our pastors who love Jesus and serve us with His Word. 

“Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all. For Jesus doesn’t change–yesterday, today, tomorrow, he’s always totally himself.” 
Hebrews 13, Msg

Yesterday we learned that “God assured us, ‘I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,’. So isn’t that where our true and eternal worth lies? We are valued by God himself! Jesus died and rose again for you and me. How much more respect and worth do we need? The more we believe, take into our hearts and souls, and deeply accept what Jesus has done for us, the more love and respect we will extend to others. Hurting people hurt people. On the other hand, people who feel loved, valued and accepted…love, value and accept others, worts and all! Just like Jesus does!

Jesus, the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He will never leave us. He died to set us free for all our debts of sin. That’s true value. Take that in. Let it flood your soul. Appreciate and respect Him and those who proclaim His Word and live out the Word in their lives every day. 

Dear Heavenly Father, You have shown us respect, value and worth as Your created by sending Your Son to save us. I believe and accept what you have done for me. Thank you for this lesson in appreciation. May we think of others more than ourselves by extending appreciation and giving value to them with our words and lives. We see Jesus in our leaders in what they say and do…we need to tell them. Give us opportunity. In Jesus Name, Amen