9. THE BENEFIT OF SHOWING RESPECT |
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Have you ever noticed who receives the most coverage in magazines and newspapers? Although politicians make a close second for public honor, it is usually movie stars, pop singers, and sports stars. When men and women of power and fame arrive as visitors, flags wave and luxurious hotels roll out the red carpet and open their doors. Business leaders like Bill Gates and Rahmi Koç are saluted for their business savvy. And despite all the newspaper focus, it is on the other end of society that Ataturk chose to point his honor. He said, "Teachers are the one and only people who save nations." To be great and still honor others is the grace of humility. Let's explore this concept of honoring others in today's lesson.
Mehmet and Ayşe were an honest village couple. They lived in a farming village of about ve hundred people, outside of Ankara. Mehmet worked hard raising olives for a living. Every spring he and his horse would plow up the ground so that the soil could receive all the bene t of the rains. The olive trees produced well for him and brought in sufficient income for his family, and many of his relatives. The land they worked had been in the family for many generations. Perhaps clear back to Selcuk times. The ground they owned was a beautiful piece of land that was partially forested with 100-year-old pine trees. There was a strong owing spring with clean ice-cold water. It owed into a valley that watered their sizable garden and entire farm. Around the ceşme it was green year round and there were some giant trees that must have been 300 years old. It was a beautiful peaceful spot.
One day a city man, dressed in a suit, black pointy shoes and a tie came to Mehmet's barn where he was working. The man said he was a government surveyor and that they were investigating widening the road. He said they needed Mehmet's signature to begin surveying the land. Mehmet was busy milking the cow and gave them his approval and signature.
About a month later a large truck pulling a bulldozer on a trailer pulled up. They began walking across Mehmet's olive orchards and marking trees to cut. Mehmet asked what all this was about. The men said the land had been sold and their were plans to build a 100 room five star health resort!
Mehmet and Ayşe were shocked. They immediately called the Jandarma. But the men with the trucks and bulldozers showed the Jandarma several documents. Right there on the papers, signed by Mehmet, it clearly stated that Mehmet's properties were theirs. Mehmet's heart felt weak. “What had they fallen into? And how could they ever get out of it.”
The villagers were all shocked and angry. They begged the Jandarma to do something. But the Jandarma only had the authority to make the bulldozers stop for three days. In the meantime, the officers told Ayşe and Mehmet to get a good lawyer.
The problem for Mehmet and Ayse was that they were villagers. How would they get a lawyer and where would they start looking? They had no connections, no network to powerful friends or even people in the city, much less to lawyers.
The only university trained person Ayşe knew was a woman doctor who had helped her sister to have a special surgery several years before. Ayşe knew it was a long shot. But the doctor had been so kind to her sister. Maybe she would know of an honest lawyer who could help them save their land.
Ayse called her sister and she soon found Dr. Gül's number. Immediately Dr. Gül remembered Ayşe and was pleasant toward her. Though the doctor was an older woman she was full of life and the love of life. Enthusiasm for her patients was her trademark. Ayşe anxiously described the situation to the doctor, finishing her passionate and tearful story with these words,
“Doctor we are uneducated farmers and we just don't know the right people to talk to about the mess we are in. Would you know anyone who might be able to help us?”
Dr. Gül responded instantly with a smile in her voice,
“Ayşe, I go to lunch about every other day with a woman who is a Supreme Court judge! She's my friend and believe me she is connected.” Then she added confidently, “Your problem is as good as solved.”
The next day in the village, the villagers were as excited as bees buzzing around a picnic batch of baklava! The trucks were loading the big machinery up and leaving. Ayşe and Mehmet had told everyone about their call to Dr. Gül and of course Dr. Gül's friend.
At about two o'clock to their surprise Dr. Gül drove into the village. Mehmet, Ayse, Dr. Gül and the family all sat down to drank tea and eat fresh borek. Mehmet began to tear up with appreciation as he described the events of the last several days. Of course Dr. Gül was elated with the news about the trucks leaving and took great delight in all the gifts the villagers heaped on her. She tried to refuse, but thought it best to let the family do as they liked. Mehmet loaded the doctor's car with ten liters of village olive oil, a bucket of fresh figs, two buckets of garden tomatoes, bags of peppers, eggplant, four melons, lot's and lot's of pears and a squash that filled her back seat.
The next day Dr. Gül paid a visit to her influential friend. Her friend was in court, so the judge’s secretary allowed Dr. Gül and a worker to enter her office. They proceeded to pile a table high with watermelon, garden tomatoes, two jugs of olive oil, a pan of fresh borek and other village gifts. After the pile was completed, the judge came into the office. Looking about she immediately took in the situation and began to laugh.
“Well, I put a little pressure in the right place I see.” she said. Her friend, Dr. Gül, said, “Yes, and may honor be given to the one whom honor is due.”
Then Dr. Gül went over to the judge and took her hand and though the judge would ordinarily pull her hand away, she let the theater play out. With the worker and secretary watching Dr. Gül kissed her friends hand and put it to her forehead three times saying,
“That is from the village elders, and that is from Mehmet and Ayşe” and kissing it one last time, she said “and this is from me. Thank you.”
The Bible tells us about a time when Lot, the prophet Abram's nephew, and his family found themselves in the middle of trouble. Trouble not too dissimilar from what Mehmet and Ayşe had found themselves up against. According to the Bible, Lot had chosen to live in the city of Sodom. Five kings invaded the city, and Lot and his family were taken captive. It seemed as if Lot and his family were destined to become slaves. Fortunately, Lot had “connections.” His connection was someone who cared for him deeply and was willing to risk his life to secure Lot's freedom.
One of the men who was captured, escaped and ran to tell Abram. When the prophet Abram heard the news, he immediately took action. Let's read the account in Genesis chapter 14 verses 14-16:
14 When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 Then he brought
back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people.
The prophet Abram was a daring warrior! Can you imagine how overjoyed Lot would have been with his hands in ropes to see Abram fighting for him? Can you imagine his gratitude, and how he would have kissed his uncle?
But the story of Lot's rescue doesn't end there. Abram had some unfinished business to conduct. In addition, an influential and mysterious character enters the scene of action, one whom even the prophet Abram chose to honor. Yes, even a hand that Abram likely kissed and put to his forehead. Let's continue by reading verses 17- 20:
17 After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 19 And he blessed him and said, Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand! And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
It says that Melchizedek was a king and priest of God Most High. That is a very interesting role, a king who is at the same time a priest. For most of the ancient characters of the Holy Scripture we are given at least some background, but with Melchizedek we are told very little. His father and mother aren't mentioned and we are only given his name. But it is clear from his name that he was not an ordinary person. Melchizedek, in ancient Hebrew, has two meanings: “King of righteousness” and "King of Peace.” Though the role of priest has been misused and misunderstood by false religions and throughout history, God did ordain the role of priest in ancient times. A priest of God was to be a holy man, consecrated to the service of God. He not only served as a mediator between God and man, but also had the responsibility of drawing people closer to God. Melchizedek's additional title of "King of Peace" was also very fitting because it is God's desire that their be peace. He had clearly authored peace in the Garden of Eden, again after the flood, and finally in the promised seed through Abram. Yes, Melchizedek was a true representative of God.
After Melchizedek blessed Abram and gave glory to God for Abram's victory, Prophet Abram returned the honor by giving Melchizedek 10% of everything he had. If he had 100 pieces of gold, he gave 10. If he had 1000 sheep, he gave 100. It seems like a lot to give up, but Abram had a covenant with God and all that he was blessed with came from God. So in actuality, 10% was very small.
But why did Abram honor Melchizedek? Was it because he was a king? Was this some sort of tax? Actually, we know for certain that the answer is no. The scripture tells us of a second king who was also on the scene. To this second King, Abram would give no honor and would not allow himself to be honored by him. The story continues in Geneses 14 verses 21-24:
21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself. 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, 23 that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, I have made Abram rich. 24 I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me. Let Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre take their share.
Abram was standing before the King of Salem and the King of Sodom. To Melchizedek, a follower and priest of God Most High, Abram gave honor and a tenth of his earnings. But to the king of Sodom, a pagan leader and immoral man, Abram wouldn't even take a penny! It seems that the distinction of kingship wasn't as important as the character of the man and the title of priest. Only a great man can recognize the superiority of others and the need to honor someone other than themselves! A man who would serve, rather than wait to be served! Prophet Abram showed himself worthy of God's honor by honoring King Melchizedek above himself.
A story is told of a man named Paedaretos who lived in ancient Sparta. A group of 300 men were to be chosen to govern Sparta. Though Paedaretos was a candidate, his name was not on the final list. Some of his friends sought to console him, but he simply replied, "I am glad that in Sparta there are 300 men better than I am." He became a legend because of his willingness to stand aside while others took the places of glory and honor. He was humble enough to value the contribution of others.
Humility is the path to discovery. Pride is the path to ruin.
In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea traveling between Turkey and Russia. Hundreds of passengers died as they were hurled into the icy waters below. News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn't a technology problem like radar malfunction--or even thick fog. The cause was human stubbornness. Each captain was aware of the other ship's presence nearby. Both could have steered clear, but according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other. Each was too proud of his position as 'captain' to yield first. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late.
Don't allow pride to shipwreck your life! Instead, humble yourself and acknowledge those who are worthy of honor. In Abram's life, there was a "Priest/King" who deserved honor and so Abram honored him. Let us not forget to honor those who are worthy of honor.
Discussion Questions
Mehmet and Ayşe were an honest village couple. They lived in a farming village of about ve hundred people, outside of Ankara. Mehmet worked hard raising olives for a living. Every spring he and his horse would plow up the ground so that the soil could receive all the bene t of the rains. The olive trees produced well for him and brought in sufficient income for his family, and many of his relatives. The land they worked had been in the family for many generations. Perhaps clear back to Selcuk times. The ground they owned was a beautiful piece of land that was partially forested with 100-year-old pine trees. There was a strong owing spring with clean ice-cold water. It owed into a valley that watered their sizable garden and entire farm. Around the ceşme it was green year round and there were some giant trees that must have been 300 years old. It was a beautiful peaceful spot.
One day a city man, dressed in a suit, black pointy shoes and a tie came to Mehmet's barn where he was working. The man said he was a government surveyor and that they were investigating widening the road. He said they needed Mehmet's signature to begin surveying the land. Mehmet was busy milking the cow and gave them his approval and signature.
About a month later a large truck pulling a bulldozer on a trailer pulled up. They began walking across Mehmet's olive orchards and marking trees to cut. Mehmet asked what all this was about. The men said the land had been sold and their were plans to build a 100 room five star health resort!
Mehmet and Ayşe were shocked. They immediately called the Jandarma. But the men with the trucks and bulldozers showed the Jandarma several documents. Right there on the papers, signed by Mehmet, it clearly stated that Mehmet's properties were theirs. Mehmet's heart felt weak. “What had they fallen into? And how could they ever get out of it.”
The villagers were all shocked and angry. They begged the Jandarma to do something. But the Jandarma only had the authority to make the bulldozers stop for three days. In the meantime, the officers told Ayşe and Mehmet to get a good lawyer.
The problem for Mehmet and Ayse was that they were villagers. How would they get a lawyer and where would they start looking? They had no connections, no network to powerful friends or even people in the city, much less to lawyers.
The only university trained person Ayşe knew was a woman doctor who had helped her sister to have a special surgery several years before. Ayşe knew it was a long shot. But the doctor had been so kind to her sister. Maybe she would know of an honest lawyer who could help them save their land.
Ayse called her sister and she soon found Dr. Gül's number. Immediately Dr. Gül remembered Ayşe and was pleasant toward her. Though the doctor was an older woman she was full of life and the love of life. Enthusiasm for her patients was her trademark. Ayşe anxiously described the situation to the doctor, finishing her passionate and tearful story with these words,
“Doctor we are uneducated farmers and we just don't know the right people to talk to about the mess we are in. Would you know anyone who might be able to help us?”
Dr. Gül responded instantly with a smile in her voice,
“Ayşe, I go to lunch about every other day with a woman who is a Supreme Court judge! She's my friend and believe me she is connected.” Then she added confidently, “Your problem is as good as solved.”
The next day in the village, the villagers were as excited as bees buzzing around a picnic batch of baklava! The trucks were loading the big machinery up and leaving. Ayşe and Mehmet had told everyone about their call to Dr. Gül and of course Dr. Gül's friend.
At about two o'clock to their surprise Dr. Gül drove into the village. Mehmet, Ayse, Dr. Gül and the family all sat down to drank tea and eat fresh borek. Mehmet began to tear up with appreciation as he described the events of the last several days. Of course Dr. Gül was elated with the news about the trucks leaving and took great delight in all the gifts the villagers heaped on her. She tried to refuse, but thought it best to let the family do as they liked. Mehmet loaded the doctor's car with ten liters of village olive oil, a bucket of fresh figs, two buckets of garden tomatoes, bags of peppers, eggplant, four melons, lot's and lot's of pears and a squash that filled her back seat.
The next day Dr. Gül paid a visit to her influential friend. Her friend was in court, so the judge’s secretary allowed Dr. Gül and a worker to enter her office. They proceeded to pile a table high with watermelon, garden tomatoes, two jugs of olive oil, a pan of fresh borek and other village gifts. After the pile was completed, the judge came into the office. Looking about she immediately took in the situation and began to laugh.
“Well, I put a little pressure in the right place I see.” she said. Her friend, Dr. Gül, said, “Yes, and may honor be given to the one whom honor is due.”
Then Dr. Gül went over to the judge and took her hand and though the judge would ordinarily pull her hand away, she let the theater play out. With the worker and secretary watching Dr. Gül kissed her friends hand and put it to her forehead three times saying,
“That is from the village elders, and that is from Mehmet and Ayşe” and kissing it one last time, she said “and this is from me. Thank you.”
The Bible tells us about a time when Lot, the prophet Abram's nephew, and his family found themselves in the middle of trouble. Trouble not too dissimilar from what Mehmet and Ayşe had found themselves up against. According to the Bible, Lot had chosen to live in the city of Sodom. Five kings invaded the city, and Lot and his family were taken captive. It seemed as if Lot and his family were destined to become slaves. Fortunately, Lot had “connections.” His connection was someone who cared for him deeply and was willing to risk his life to secure Lot's freedom.
One of the men who was captured, escaped and ran to tell Abram. When the prophet Abram heard the news, he immediately took action. Let's read the account in Genesis chapter 14 verses 14-16:
14 When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 Then he brought
back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people.
The prophet Abram was a daring warrior! Can you imagine how overjoyed Lot would have been with his hands in ropes to see Abram fighting for him? Can you imagine his gratitude, and how he would have kissed his uncle?
But the story of Lot's rescue doesn't end there. Abram had some unfinished business to conduct. In addition, an influential and mysterious character enters the scene of action, one whom even the prophet Abram chose to honor. Yes, even a hand that Abram likely kissed and put to his forehead. Let's continue by reading verses 17- 20:
17 After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 19 And he blessed him and said, Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand! And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
It says that Melchizedek was a king and priest of God Most High. That is a very interesting role, a king who is at the same time a priest. For most of the ancient characters of the Holy Scripture we are given at least some background, but with Melchizedek we are told very little. His father and mother aren't mentioned and we are only given his name. But it is clear from his name that he was not an ordinary person. Melchizedek, in ancient Hebrew, has two meanings: “King of righteousness” and "King of Peace.” Though the role of priest has been misused and misunderstood by false religions and throughout history, God did ordain the role of priest in ancient times. A priest of God was to be a holy man, consecrated to the service of God. He not only served as a mediator between God and man, but also had the responsibility of drawing people closer to God. Melchizedek's additional title of "King of Peace" was also very fitting because it is God's desire that their be peace. He had clearly authored peace in the Garden of Eden, again after the flood, and finally in the promised seed through Abram. Yes, Melchizedek was a true representative of God.
After Melchizedek blessed Abram and gave glory to God for Abram's victory, Prophet Abram returned the honor by giving Melchizedek 10% of everything he had. If he had 100 pieces of gold, he gave 10. If he had 1000 sheep, he gave 100. It seems like a lot to give up, but Abram had a covenant with God and all that he was blessed with came from God. So in actuality, 10% was very small.
But why did Abram honor Melchizedek? Was it because he was a king? Was this some sort of tax? Actually, we know for certain that the answer is no. The scripture tells us of a second king who was also on the scene. To this second King, Abram would give no honor and would not allow himself to be honored by him. The story continues in Geneses 14 verses 21-24:
21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself. 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, 23 that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, I have made Abram rich. 24 I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me. Let Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre take their share.
Abram was standing before the King of Salem and the King of Sodom. To Melchizedek, a follower and priest of God Most High, Abram gave honor and a tenth of his earnings. But to the king of Sodom, a pagan leader and immoral man, Abram wouldn't even take a penny! It seems that the distinction of kingship wasn't as important as the character of the man and the title of priest. Only a great man can recognize the superiority of others and the need to honor someone other than themselves! A man who would serve, rather than wait to be served! Prophet Abram showed himself worthy of God's honor by honoring King Melchizedek above himself.
A story is told of a man named Paedaretos who lived in ancient Sparta. A group of 300 men were to be chosen to govern Sparta. Though Paedaretos was a candidate, his name was not on the final list. Some of his friends sought to console him, but he simply replied, "I am glad that in Sparta there are 300 men better than I am." He became a legend because of his willingness to stand aside while others took the places of glory and honor. He was humble enough to value the contribution of others.
Humility is the path to discovery. Pride is the path to ruin.
In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea traveling between Turkey and Russia. Hundreds of passengers died as they were hurled into the icy waters below. News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn't a technology problem like radar malfunction--or even thick fog. The cause was human stubbornness. Each captain was aware of the other ship's presence nearby. Both could have steered clear, but according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other. Each was too proud of his position as 'captain' to yield first. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late.
Don't allow pride to shipwreck your life! Instead, humble yourself and acknowledge those who are worthy of honor. In Abram's life, there was a "Priest/King" who deserved honor and so Abram honored him. Let us not forget to honor those who are worthy of honor.
Discussion Questions
- Have you ever needed help from someone important? What was the situation? How did you get yourself out of it?
- Do you think God gave Abram special strength to ght against ve kings and come away with the victory? Does God still give people special help in time of need?
- According to the Scriptures, Melchizedek and Abram shared bread and grape juice together. How does eating and drinking together bring people closer together?
- Abram is a well-known prophet and he gave honor to a man greater than himself. What do we learn from this?
- How can we be more humble?