Jehovah Honors Humans

Jehovah himself sets the example in showing honor. He created humans with free will and does not treat them like mere robots. (1Peter 2:16) For instance, when he told Abraham that Sodom was to be destroyed because of its gross wickedness, Abraham asked: " Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous men in the midst of the city. Will you, then, sweep them away and nor pardon the place for the sake of fifty?" Jehovah answered that he would spare the city for the sake of fifty righteous ones. Abraham then continued to plead humbly. What if there were only 45? 40? 30? 20? 10? Jehovah assured Abraham that he would not destroy Sodom if just ten righteous men were found. - Genesis 18:20-33.

Jehovah knew that there were not ten righteous men in Sodom, yet he honored Abraham by listening to his view and dealing with respectfully. Why? Because Abraham "put faith in Jehovah; and he proceeded to count it to him as righteousness." Abraham was called "Jehovah's friend. (Genesis 15:6; James 2:23) Furthermore, Jehovah saw that Abraham honored others. When a dispute regarding territory arose between his herdsmen and those of his nephew Lot, Abraham honored Lot by telling him to choose first the area he wanted. Lot picked what he considered the choicest land, and Abraham moved elsewhere. - Genesis 13:5-11.

Jehovah similarly honored righteous Lot. Before Sodom was destroyed, he told Lot to flee to a mountainous area. However, Lot said that he did not want to go there; he preferred nearby Zoar, although that city was in the area that was to be destroyed. Jehovah said to Lot: " Here I do show you consideration to this extent also, by my not overthrowing the city of which you have spoken." Jehovah showed honor to faithful Lot by doing what he asked. - Genesis 19:15-22; 2Peter 2:2-9.

When Jehovah sent Moses back to Egypt to lead his people out of slavery and to speak to Pharaoh about letting his people go, Moses responded: "Excuse me, Jehovah, but I am not a fluent speaker." Jehovah assured Moses: " I myself shall prove to be with your mouth and I will teach you what you ought to say." But Moses was still hesitant. At that Jehovah reassured Moses and arranged to send his brother, Aaron with him as spokesman. - Exodus 4:10-16

Next time: Jesus Honored Others