Hone, Honour and Horn

UV 1313/10,000 Hone, Honour and Horn
He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.
Psalm 148 v 14

The Lord recently spoke these three similar words: “hone, honour, horn”. He would hone us or sharpen us. He would enable us to grow in the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit. As far as the Lord is concerned the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, self control are more vital than the gifts of word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healing, doing miracles, prophecy, tongues, interpretation and discernment. There should always be a fine balance in the growth and manifestation or use of both fruit and gifts. He hones us to be practical and effective in this world and not pious or religious, cut off from the reality of life.

He has exalted us in honour above all people on the earth for as scripture asks, “ which people have their God so near to them.” The greatest honour is not the honour man gives for that honour fades away, perishes, remains forgotten after a while or soon turns into dishonour. The greatest honour is the esteem of God. Daniel treated with some disdain the honour of even kings. But he was a man greatly esteemed in the eyes of God. So much so God gave him rare visions and inclined His ears to his prayers. He received the favour of successive kings even of different dynasties as he had the grace of God. He calls us a peculiar or special people who live not on bread or natural food but by abiding and doing His commands and dwelling on His promises. He shelters us in His love and clothes us with His salvation. Scripture affirms that He is in all that we call upon Him for. As Moses said, “It is your presence ( or our intimate relationship) that distinguishes us from the rest of mankind.”
The ram’s horn or “shofar” is the natural God-hewn instrument used by the Jews to call people to worship, to call them to assemble, to draw attention, to celebrate festival as well as to declare war and victory. It is a symbol of the joy of victory. It is a symbol of strength. The horn of an animal is used to attack as well as to defend itself. As we praise the Lord, we will experience joy, increase in strength and victory in all our struggles. We need to blow the horn in all our situations and circumstances. It is a symbol of our complete dependence on the Lord, our God and Redeemer. It is also a celebration of our personal relationship with Him. It is a dedication of every breath we take to the Beloved. As we blow in prayer, thanksgiving and worship, the Lord will prepare a banqueting table for us in the presence of our enemies. He has called us to be fellow citizens with all His saints, to be part of the household of God to declare His praise to all nations. He will exalt our horn or He will promote us in all our ventures for we, not just our words but our entire being, are now become His praise.
Prateep V Philip