Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.["] Exodus 20:12
I pause this morning my study of Numbers to prepare for leading Sunday school as we discuss today's sermon on the fifth commandment - Exodus 20:12. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: We are commanded by God to honor our mother and father - with honor being defined generally as "respect that is given to someone who is admired." Honor includes obedience, and how we treat someone not only when we are with them but also when we are not - upholding one's reputation. We can only rightly do this from a biblical standpoint if we love God first and through our love of Him and in response to His love for us we love others because this pleases Him and we seek to please, honor and glorify Him. Therefore, our love of others, including love for our mother and father, reflects our relationship with Jesus. God gives us a promise also - although we should understand that long life is not promised here but instead a general blessing of peace and satisfaction.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Often, people in teenage and young adult years seek independence from the path laid out by their parents and this sometimes manifests itself in rebellion. This rebellion is often not just from the parent-child relationship, from the relationship with God. Parents often feel that rebellion is a reflection upon them and to a certain extent it is, but largely it is not because there are plenty of Godly parents whose children are rebellious. God is in control and we cannot engineer our children. Prayer and leaning into God is the only proper response to rebellion.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid seeing parents as a burden. Claim the promise of a blessed life upon honoring your father and mother. Follow the example of Jesus who honored the will of His Father. Love God first and in response, love, obey, and honor your mother and father.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome Holy God that is approachable and accessible - You save! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You love and save. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
