Your Respect Can Save You.

Your Respect Can Save You

II Kings 1:13-15 NKJV

[13] Again, he sent a third captain of fifty with his fifty men. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and pleaded with him, and said to him: “Man of God, please let my life and the life of these fifty servants of yours be precious in your sight. [14] Look, fire has come down from heaven and burned up the first two captains of fifties with their fifties. But let my life now be precious in your sight.” [15] And the angel of the Lord said to Elijah, “Go down with him; do not be afraid of him.” So he arose and went down with him to the king. 

  Respect is described as " due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others". It is a consideration of someone worrhy of high regard. The first two captains and their fifty soldiers perished because of their casual attitude to the prophet. They had no due regard. All they carried were the King's command. And they died for it.

   The third captain was a wise man. This is how Guzik describes the mans approach. " The third captain approached his mission in a completely different manner. He came to Elijah humbly, recognizing that he really was a Man of God. Perhaps the third captain looked at the two blackened spots of scorched earth nearby before he spoke to Elijah". Joseph Benson says " Expressing both reverence for his person, and a dread of God’s judgments, being struck with the fate of the two other captains and their fifties. There is nothing to be got by contending with God: if we would prevail with him, it must be by supplication. And those are wise that learn submission from the fatal consequences of obstinacy in others". 

    Contemporary society has lost one of the corner stones of of our forebears. Its respect. Someone explains that respect, "... is the cornerstone of human interactions that transcends cultural, religious, and philosophical boundaries. It’s a universal principle that fosters empathy, cooperation, and understanding. In a world often divided by differences and different beliefs, respect serves as a unifying force, allowing us to recognise the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. It’s not merely a courtesy or politeness but a genuine acknowledgement of human nature and the humanity in each of us". That is not from a Sunday School Manual. 1 Peter 2:17 “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the King.”. Very importantly, respect your ministers. It can hurt you if you disrespect them. Those two dead captains are the examples. Good morning.