7/22/11 A Motivation for Honor

¹⁶ “Cursed is anyone who dishonors their father or mother.”
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” (Deuteronomy 27:16)

²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
²¹ Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. (Colossians 3:20,21)

(Return of the Prodigal Son- Rembrandt 1519)

Thoughts: The New Testament prohibition gives a secret motivation for Christian submission.  First, we listen to others (especially those God has placed over us) not because they are right all the time, or because we agree with them, but because listening to them pleases the Lord.  The every next command softens the harshness in that children are not to be abused or embittered simply because they are to obey the parent.  Out of love for Christ children are to listen, and out of love for Christ fathers are to be kind and encouraging. 
     The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a living image of honor and dishonor.  Throughout the father was not harsh with either son.  The son- who cursed his father with his actions- was cursed. 
     This would apply to all those who are placed over us.  A person under the authority, should respect those in authority.  But it is also true that those in authority do not need to lord it over them.  Jesus showed us that He is worthy of our respect in that He humbled Himself, washing our feet, dying on the cross for us.  So the employee is invited to be humble, but also the employer is invited to be humble. As we humble ourselves before the Lord, honoring one another, God blesses us with peace with each other. 


Prayer: Lord, help me to listen, and humble myself before those I meet this day.