Counted worthy

 I was struck, not for the first time, with the phrase, "counted worthy," in the New Testament. Here, from the World English Bible, are the occurrences of that phrase: 

Luke 21:36 Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.” 

Acts 5:41 They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus’ name. 

2 Thessalonians 1:5 This is an obvious sign of the righteous judgment of God, to the end that you may be counted worthy of God’s Kingdom, for which you also suffer. 

1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. 

Hebrews 3:3 For he has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, because he who built the house has more honor than the house. 

I note that, in all five of these cases, it seems to be God, in the last case God the Father, but, probably, in the other cases, God the Trinity who is being counted worthy. What humans think about our situations don't matter much. In the last case, it is God the Son who is counted worthy of more glory than Moses.

Another thought. It isn't enough to try to serve God in our own strength, but it is enough to serve God in His strength, no matter what is accomplished. We can't receive greater reward than being reckoned as appropriate -- counted worthy -- to receive His favor and affirmation! 

Thanks for reading. May you and I be counted worthy of honor, by Him who counts infinitely more than any human entity.