Now the Lord saith, Be it far from Me, for them that honour Me will I honour, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed. 1 Samuel 2:30
In the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, an athlete named Eric Liddell, who was nicknamed the Flying Scotsman, was the favourite to win the 100 meter dash. But Liddell, a devout Christian, the son of missionaries to China, refused to run in the qualifying heat, because it was held on a Sunday. His refusal held firm in the face of huge pressure from his teammates and the British Olympic officials. Instead, he opted to run in the 400 meter event. As he lined up to start the final race, one of his American rivals in the event handed Liddell a slip of paper. On that paper were written these words from our text: Them that honour Me I will honour. Liddell won that race and the gold medal. And he returned to China to serve the Lord, dying in a Japanese internment camp during the Second World War. His story is told in the Oscar-winning 1981 movie ‘Chariots of Fire’. Do you think Liddell was a unique case? Think again!
Hundreds of thousands of Christians, and millions down through the centuries, would look at Liddell’s story and nod in knowing agreement. Time and again, humble and submissive Christians have refused to do what they believed would be wrong, and have done that which they believed would be honouring to their Lord. In many cases, they have been publicly vindicated for their stand, and God has been glorified. Their stories might not always be as spectacular as that of Eric Liddell, but they would make for exciting reading. But in many cases, dear saints have lost reputations, positions, property, friends, health, and their very lives because they sought to honour their Lord. As far as this world is concerned, they were the losers. But as far as God and eternity are concerned, they are forever the victors. Make no mistake, God is no man’s debtor. Or as Hebrews 6:10 says it; ‘For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister’. Whether it be the martyrs whose blood still flows in too many parts of the world today, or whether it be those who take the scorn of those around us who mock the Gospel, or everyone in between, God sees it all and will recompense, with no exceptions. And it is far better than the alternative.
Our text also speaks of the light esteem God has for those who despise Him. The God Who people think they are mocking has every word recorded, every deed listed, and every insult catalogued. And He will recompense accordingly, with no exceptions.
These words – them that honour Me I will honour – are not just a nice expression; they are an absolute and eternal law established by Almighty God. This great promise cannot and will not ever be broken. Would you rather stand for God and be judged by men, or stand with men and be judged by God? – Jim MacIntosh
Here is the link to the video of this message: https://youtu.be/4by7usxNYm8