7/25/11 The sixth command

¹⁷ “You shall not murder. (Deut. 5:17)

¹⁷ As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
¹⁸ “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. ¹⁹ You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’(Mark 10:17-19)

(Jesus and the Rich young Ruler)

Thoughts:  The KJV translation- "Thou shalt not kill" is not the best translation of this command.  The idea is of a violent and unauthorized killing.  Christ reaffirms that this violent unauthorized killing is an important concept.  Jesus had a high view of human beings.  For Jesus, life was to be valued and lived to the fullest.  He says "I came that they might have life and have it abundantly" (Jn. 10:10).  Naturally, one who came to give eternal life (which begins now) would not be in favor of inflicting death.  So, we too should value life above death.  God gives us life, and we should be careful to be good stewards of his greatest gift. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to value and treasure each moment as a gift from you.  Help me to value others and life itself. 

7/21/11

<sup>The Ten Commandments: 5th Command: Honor Your Father and Your Mother

1</sup> 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.”
⁴ Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:1-4)

(Becca Hancock with Ugandan orphans- in the name of Christ)

Thoughts: The command to honor parents is not just an Old Testament command, but one that is good for every age. As a general principle, the ability to listen and follow advice leads to safety and health.  This command does not just obligate children toward parents but implies an obligation of parents to the children.  To expect your children to honor you, you should be honorable.  In the Roman world a patristic son could not own property until his father died.  The son could be imprisoned, sold as a slave by the father.  But to Christians, children were not to be enslaved or possessed as things.  Rather children were also treated as people created in God's image.  Jesus welcomed the little children and protected them from those who would harm them.  So Christians are called to care for these "least of these" who are dependent and vulnerable. 

Prayer: May I have grace, O Lord, to be a respecter of people of all ages and abilities.