READ: Luke 24:13-32
“RENDER therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; HONOUR TO WHOM HONOUR.” – Romans 13:7
The first level of honour is when you are recognized. If people do not recognize who you are they often do not honour you. If they do not honour you, they do not believe in you. When they do not believe in you, your ministry does not work among them. When Jesus Christ came to Jerusalem, He was not recognized as the Messiah. They did not honour Him. Instead, they killed Him and shortened His life.
They recognized Jesus as a carpenter, the son of Mary, and one of five brothers. Because they failed to recognize Him as the Son of God, they failed to honour Him! On the road to Emmaus, the disciples walked along with Jesus but they called Him a stranger because they did not recognize who He was.
When God sends men amongst us, it is very important that we recognize them. It is also very important how quickly we recognize them. When you fail to recognize a good person, he will move on to where he is recognized. It is not good to stay amongst people who do not acknowledge you. The ability of people to acknowledge you is key to their ability to honour you.
I realise that some of the greatest pastors and prophets are not recognized by their fellow ministers; they are not acknowledged or even noticed in their own countries. Shallow men often honour insignificant and unsubstantial things that do not deserve honour. When you are not acknowledged, always remember that you are not being honoured, and you are not being taken seriously. Move on to the places where you are honoured.