Daily Devotions
Exodus
"Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name." Psalm 86:11
Text: Exodus 20 : 12
THE FIRST SEGMENT OF THE DECALOGUE
It is absolutely right that the first four Commandments have to do with God! The laws of God are both simple and profound at the same time! The best way to comprehend Divine laws is to breathe a humble prayer to the Author of the Commandments to teach us His ways!
THE NEXT SEGMENT OF THE DECALOGUE
God gave laws to govern our relationship with Him. He also has laws that help us relate to each other, as fellow human beings! The next six laws are fundamental ones! They may also be described as universal laws of the heart!
THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT
It is not without significance that the first law of the second segment of the Decalogue focuses on the family! The simplest form of human relationships is the family unit! God in desiring to protect and bless the concept of the family gave forth this law.
“Honour your father and your mother,
that your days may be long upon the land
which the LORD your God is giving you.”
EXODUS 20:12
This commandment is most straightforward! The Apostle Paul made reference to this commandment in his epistle to the Ephesians.
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
‘Honour your father and your mother,’ which is the first
commandment with promise.”
EPHESIANS 6:1-2
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT WITH PROMISE
The astute apostle Paul made the following important observations:-
1. “Honour” and “Obedience” are closely related!
How does one honour one’s parents? The Apostle correctly observed that one excellent way of expressing honour is to obey them. (This is not “blind obedience”) . Parents are bound by the Word of God in their expectation of obedience from their children).
2. “That your days may be long upon the land which the LORD… is giving you”
God would bless those who are good and obedient in very special ways! One of those blessings would be long life! How should one respond to this commandment, but to fear the Lord with the whole heart? The Book of Proverbs has this deep and challenging word that gives strong encouragement to keep this commandment!
“The fear of the LORD prolongs days,
But the years of the wicked will be shortened.”
PROVERBS 10:27