August 27, 2014 Honor Your Parents

Honor Your Parents

Matthew 15:3-6 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’  5 But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ 6 he is not to 'honor his father' with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.”  

“HONOR” is to give value to and to hold in high esteem. God’s command to, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12) speaks of the incredible responsibility children have to their parents. Inferred, also, in this command is that God honors those who honor their parents. He will reward them with a long and blessed life. Parents are precious to God.

     That’s why Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for neglecting their parents. He chastises them for saying to their parents, “Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is a gift devoted to God.” The Pharisees give no money to parents in need. They have dishonored God’s command as they claim they are honoring God.

     There is no exception to, “Honor your father and your mother.” Tradition distanced the Pharisees from God. Self-image was worshiped, and God’s image grew dim in the Pharisees’ hearts.

     Keep your light shining on God’s commands. Put them above your self-focused preferences. Honor God. Honor your parents. God commands it. God blesses it.  

LIFE Link: Honor God’s commands.