DOUBLE HONOUR
Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 5
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Canadian and long-time Christian leader in Israel, Jay Rawlings, holds his Bible on the path that leads to the Eastern Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem. Jay and his wife, Meridel, have built many bridges of relationship between the Jews and Christians. Jay has a Masters Degree in Hospital Administration and was Assistant Administrator of Henderson Hospital in Hamilton as a young man. I had the privilege of serving as their Pastor when God called them to world missions, specifically with a calling to bless God’s ancient people, the Jews. Jay sold his much-loved Corvette Stingray and with their little son, David, they left all to follow Jesus. Jay and Meridel are surely worthy of “double honour,” as they have served as true elders, as Paul said, “in the Word and doctrine.”
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: 1 Timothy 5:1, 17
Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, the younger men as brothers…Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
Timothy was in a difficult position. As a very young man, he was appointed as Pastor of the church in Ephesus. We are not told that Timothy was not treating the older men with reverence, affection and respect, but Paul wanted to make sure young Timothy was showing the deference needed. Today there is what some call “a youth cult.” The media gives us the impression that anything worthwhile has to be new and that the most desirable time of life is “youth.” The Bible clearly teaches against this kind of upside-down thinking. It is no accident that leaders of the church are called “elders.” Yet at the same time Paul said to Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth” (1 Timothy 4:12a). There is a balance here that all, young and old, need to learn.
Yesterday we considered “a local church constitution.” The “rule” of the elders came not as an order from one person, but as a duly moved, seconded and carried motion. The admonition of Paul was not to an “elder” but to “elders.” We need to be able to say of decisions which “rule” that “it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us” (Acts 15:28a). We may want to read Acts 15:22-29 and meditate on the way the church leaders made their decisions.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord, I pray that today You will guide me to someone older than myself who needs a word of deep appreciation for their faithfulness and wisdom over the years. May I find an elder who has “laboured in the Word and doctrine” and creatively give “double honour.” In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I want to thank my fellow bloggers who did not “rebuke” me about the ministry of women in the Church, but exhorted me “as a father.” Nevertheless, I still believe that Paul, who wrote to one individual, Timothy, was giving specific instructions to that one person about his specific problems in Ephesus (home of one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, the Temple of Diana and its female cult), and not to all the other churches. A good example of this is the matter of the hairstyle and the wearing of “gold or pearls” (1 Timothy 2:9). It is my understanding that the prostitutes who served in the temple “braided” their hair with strands of gold woven into their hairdo. Paul is saying that Christian women, in Ephesus specifically, should not appear to be as the priestesses of Diana.
As a young woman in 1924 on her way by ship to Egypt (to marry my father who was already there), my mother was forbidden by the missionary society from wearing an engagement ring. She told my sister that if she had a ring on, it would have discouraged the attention she was receiving from some men on board the ship. This was a cultural requirement by a denomination, not one from Scripture. Otherwise how do we understand the story Jesus told of the prodigal son’s father saying, “Put a ring on his hand” (Luke 15:22)? I try always to remember, “Let the Bible interpret the Bible.”
Your fellow student of the Word,
David
P.S. Yesterday, Norma-Jean and I were delighted to attend the wedding of my grandson, David Peter Mainse (Reynold and Kathy’s son). During the ceremony, I had the privilege of leading David and Tawny in holy communion. Reynold & Kathy came back from Uganda to be there for the wedding. See photo below…
Wonderful teaching, this morning, and photo–thank you for sharing your grandson’s wedding celebration with us, dear David. Beautiful!! Wishing you David Peter and Tawny a blessed future together! Wishing fellow saints a great day in the Lord!
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 NKJV
for KING & COUNTRY – Shoulders
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfiYWaeAcRw
Sorry, I forgot to mention congratulations to Kathy and Reynold! What a joy for your son to marry such a lovely bride–more beautiful grandchildren to come for you! 🙂
Thank you for sharing this beautiful picture of your family. Congratulations to the bride and groom, such a beautiful couple. May God bless you always.God’s Word tells us, to lean not on our own understanding but in all thy acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths.
I want to say thanks to all my fellow bloggers for all yours prayers that went up..It took me from the lion’s den and I have returned to my kids and family back in my country…I ask for your continued prayers so I can keep pressing on and hold on to my master ..God bless each and everyone.. Pastor Mainse ..Norma-Jean and the entire family blessings to you all in the mighty name of Jesus..AMEN
Two beautiful couples – thanks for sharing this lovely picture! Blessings on you, David, and on every fellow blog reader today.
Great lesson today! Lovely picture of grandchildren’s wedding. Congratulations! (and sending best wishes on your upcoming anniversary). Mine is coming tomorrow (59 yrs). He’s on the other side but still close to my heart. I have family (widow) who look after me well!
P.S. Logas Hope ship is leaving Santo Domingo today @ 22.00 as precaution. All stops are cancelled until Sept 9 in case the hurricane is active. Blessings & prayers for their protection & guidance from our Lord.
Amen, Doreen. Praying for everyone to be protected from the path of the hurricane.
Amen, continuing in prayer with you Doreen and Beverlee. We serve a Mighty God!!! Blessings to all Eleanor M.
Amen Doreen…agreeing in prayer with you!
Dear David thank you so much for being faithful to the Lord
You give me great hope in the Lord. Also Norma -Jean.
Because of you being faithful to the Lord I was saved through
100 Huntley Street over 30 years ago now and now my husband
Darrell has also come to the Lord , our Son Jason, We are just waiting
For Nathan our other Son to come and make God his Lord and Savour.
So Thank you David for being faithful, praying for you and Norma -Jean.
God knows and cares and loves you so much I’m blessed to be able
To write to such a man who loves the Lord so much and his wife so Thank you so much.
Thank you as always Pastor David, for you thoughts on the scriptures. I was delighted to see the picture of your namesake grandson David and his lovely wife Tawny. You and Norma Jean are a lovely couple as well, may The Lord bless you and your wonderful family which keeps growing.
Could you please continue to pray for little Judah who went back to sick kids, he is still getting a lot of seizures and the Doctors are concerned. We haven’t heard any results as to whether his tumour is benign or not.
I will let you know when I hear more news about this darling baby.
Praying for little Judah for the Lord’s intervention and total healing from seizures forever…I pray this in the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen!!!
Amen, Irene !
Thank you David for sharing that beautiful photo of you with Norma Jean, David and Tawny – wonderful that Reynold and Kathy were able to get home for the wedding. God’s richest blessings to you and your entire family.
Thank you for your faithfulness in ministry and helping us all on our journey homeward bound
God bless you and your wonderful family. A great example for the influence o Godly parents. How I look forward to your blogg each day. Carol
Thank you for your labor in the Word and doctrine today David. Beautiful wedding photo of grandson David Peter and wife. Congratulations to them, parents, Reynold and Kathy and you and Norma Jean as grandparents. You are blessed. Blessings on all who labor in the Word today!
What great teaching and expounding of the Word…and sharing your personal thoughts, Pastor David. What a beautiful family photo; you all look so happy…and so it should be at such a special occasion!
When the Rawlings were in Edmonton a few years ago, I had the privilege of meeting them and their testimony. You are, they surely are worthy of “double honour”.
Praise God for this glorious day…the Day that He has made for us to rejoice and be glad in it.
Have a blessed day with joy in your hearts all you saints!
oops …should read and “hearing their testimony”