“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”[a]” Ephesians 6.1-3
What a good word! Not only do I like this as a child of my parents, but I love this as a father. For God to encourage children to obey parents is so good and right. But it doesn’t stop there. The Lord is even more specific by telling children to “honor” your father and mother. Not only is the traditional biblical view of marriage affirmed between a man and a woman but it’s also supportive of the first commandment given to Moses. And that commandment, as Paul states, comes with a promise.
If you obey your parents and honor them, Paul is quoting from Deuteronomy 5.16, then two things will happen: 1) it may go well with you, and 2) you may enjoy a long life. I have found this to be true for me. For the most part, I have obeyed and honored my parents (what do you think Mom??? 🙂 No one is perfect but it’s my intent that as a child of my parents I honor them in the Lord. And my life has been so blessed for it and so far, I’ve lived a good long life (age 54) with many years to go.
God’s word always comes with a guarantee. If we do what the Lord asks, he will give us blessing and abundance. When we obey his word, spiritual riches will be poured out upon us. All throughout the Old Testament, God told the Israelites — if you do this, I will do that. If you follow me, I will bless you. Many times they would obey but other times they would reject God outright. Why wouldn’t we obey God when he has told us exactly what the consequences of our actions will be?
But back to parents, of which I have two wonderful, loving persons in my life. Two parents who have drawn me to the Lord, who have loved and supported me, who have backed me through thick and thin, good and bad. And this is a fulfillment of the promise of the Lord — “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy a long life on earth.”
Thanks be to God.
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for the gift of parents, and children, and for not forsaking us. When we stray away, you bring us back into a right relationship with you. When we falter, you offer grace. Come now, Holy Spirit, hope me know the power of your love and the gift of your Presence. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen