The Example of Jehovah and of Jesus

Although Jehovah is the "Most High," from the very beginning he honored his creatures by involving them in his works.  (Psalm 83:18) When he created the first human,  Jehovah included his only-begotten Son in the project as  a "master worker."  (Proverbs 8:27-30; Genesis 1:26)  Jehovah even invited his heavenly angels to express themselves about how to proceed with destroying to do so. -1 Kings 22:19-23.

Jehovah reigns as the Supreme Sovereign of the universe.  Deuteronomy 3:24)  He has no need to consult with humans. Yet, he stoops down, so to speak, to take note of them.  A psalmist sang:  "Who is like Jehovah our God, him who is making his dwelling on high?  He is condescending to look on heaven and earth, raising up the lowly one from the very dust." -Psalm 113:5-8.

Before annihilating Sodom and Gomorrah, Jehovah listened to Abraham's questions and satisfied his sense of justice.  (Genesis 18:23-33) Although Jehovah already knew the outcome of Abraham's requests, he patiently listened to Abraham and accepted his reasoning.

Jehovah also listened to Habakkuk, who asked:  "How long, O Jehovah, must I cry for help, and you do not hear?"  Did Jehovah view the question as a challenge as a challenge to his authority?  No, he viewed Habakkuk queries as legitimate, and he thereupon revealed his purpose to raise up the Chaldeans to execute judgment.  He assured the prophet that 'this foretold judgment would without fail come true?  (Habakkuk 1:1, 2, 5, 6, 13, 14;p 2:2, 3)  By taking Habakkuk's concerns seriously and answering him, Jehovah honored the prophet. As a result, the distraught prophet brightened up and became joyful, with full trust in the God of his salvation.  This is reflected in the inspired book of Habakkuk that strengthens our trust in Jehovah today.  -Habakkuk 3:18, 19.

Jesus Christ is another fine example of showing respect for others.  Jesus had told his disciples that "whoever disowns me before men, I will also disown him before my Father."  (Matthew 10:32, 33) On the night of his betrayal, however, all his disciples deserted him, and the apostle Peter disowned him three times.  (Matthew 26:34, 35, 69-75) Jesus looked beyond the outward appearance and took note of Peter's innermost feelings, his profound repentance .  (Luke 22:61, 62) Only 51 days later, Christ dignified the repentant apostle by letting him represe3nt Jesus' 120  disciples on the day of Pentecost and use the first of "the keys of the kingdom."  (Matthew 16:19; Acts 2:14-40)  Peter was given a chance to 'return and strengthen his brothers.' -Luke 22:31-33.

Next time: Assigning Honor to Family Members

The Watchtower, 2000