Day 7 – God is about Relationships
Exodus 20:12 “Honour thy father and thy mother. Then you will live long, full life in the land the lord your God is giving you.” KJV
For Israel:
In ancient Egypt, families of Israelites were often separated from each other and forced to work as slaves for Egyptian families. They were subjected to abuse and manual labor. When the Israelites established a new society, it became essential to set healthy boundaries based on respect for God and other people. The command to honor one’s parents was an important part of this. Although it specifically referred to parents, the concept of honoring someone can be extended to others as well. The Greek word for honor means “to revere, prize, and value”, and this command was so important to God that he included a blessing with it.
God considered the structure of the family unit to be very important, which is why he made it a command to “honor your parents”. As a baby, you depend on your parents to take care of you, and being a parent gives them authority over you as a child. Though God could have created humans out of stone, his master plan for parenthood serves as a pattern from God himself. Genesis 1:26 “Then God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” In verse 28 He said “And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth’”.
For today:
Not all of us had good parents, and some of us didn’t have parents at all. However, this fact doesn’t mean that we should not respect our parents or anyone else for that matter. This commandment teaches us the basic principle of authority. By respecting our parents, we learn how to form healthy relationships with others. Paul confirms this command in Ephesians 6:1-3. In Matthew 19:17-19 Jesus confirms the importance of respecting our parents. He, himself respected His Father in heaven and His parents on earth. Colossians 3:20 says “Children. Obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord”.
Prayer: Lord, You have searched me and know me. You are aware of all my ways. For You formed my inmost being, You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am wonderfully made. Marvellous are Your works. Amen. (Scripture to pray Psalm 139)
By Marie Swanepoel for www.womenoftheword.co.za
