Whereas the 4th commandment is the only commandment with the phrase “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy,” the 5th commandment is the only commandment with “a promise.” It reads: Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12.

The Apostle Paul writing to the Ephesians believers many years later stated “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother-which is the first commandment with a promise-that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on earth. ” Ephesians 6:1-3.

The good Lord in His wisdom gave us parents to represent Him here on earth. Parents have a God-given mandate to bring up their little ones in the ways of God.

Experience tells us that those children who have paid attention to this commandment have indeed been successful in all ways. Quite contrary, those who have disobeyed their parents have found themselves alone and disappointed in a world so mean and unprotected.

What many children fail to understand is that their parents love them so much that all they want for their children is good things. Unfortunately, many parents have gone into their graves with pain and grief caused by their own children. It’s sad to observe that there are those children who are called by the name of God who too continue to disobey their parents.

The only exception is when parents are telling/teaching/commanding their children to do that
which is against the will of God. In such cases, God must come first. That is why we are told to obey our parents “in the Lord.”

I wish to appeal to all children to change course and do that which is right. Again remember that attached to this commandment is the promise of long life on earth. Do you want to live long and happy? Then follow this commandment. Will I? Will you?

Pastor Birai-612-386-4608
www.themaranathasdachurch.org