Honor is likely the first virtue of faith. Paul said that “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” So in order to receive faith we must receive God’s Word. To receive God’s Word we must honor God enough to listen to His Word. 

Jesus goes further with this, if we are going to honor God enough to listen to His Word we need to honor God enough to listen to His servants who deliver and explain His Word. Understandably, Jesus made it clear that how we honor God’s messengers is how we honor Him. “Anyone who listens to you listens to Me. Anyone who does not accept you does not accept Me. And anyone who does not accept Me does not accept the One who sent Me.” (Luke 10:16 NIRV) 

Apart from honor we would not listen. Apart from listening we would be void of faith. More than that, apart from honor, we become incurable. What do I mean? Take a look at the promise of Malachi 4:2. “But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.” What great imagery. We honor God and the dark heavy storm clouds begin to part and the sun rays of righteousness begin to shine and spread across the sky looking like wings. In Oregon we have all witnessed those blessed rays pouring through the clouds after a good hard rain, they are not only beautiful they are healing as their warmth touches our skin. 

In the same way when the rays of the “Sun of Righteousness” touch down on our sickly souls it diffuses healing. Healing so profound that we burst out in freedom and prosper. Why? Because honor breaks up the storms in our lives, it separates the dark clouds and gives the sun rays opportunity to break through and heal. 

Honor is a powerful virtue for a promise is attached to it—life (Ephesians 6:2-3). Honor God, honor His Word, honor those who are sent to deliver and explain His Word, be healed and get out of the barn and enjoy life. 

 But here is what will happen for you who have respect for Me. The sun that brings life will rise. Its rays will bring healing to My people. You will go out and leap like calves that have just been let out of the barn. Malachi 4:2 NIRV