Transformation 2010 - Lenten Daily Devotional

Overall theme for the week of Mar.1-6:  Transforming Families

Tue. March 2, 2010

Charles Ness, Perkiomenville Mennonite Church

Scripture:  Deuteronomy 5:16

At this writing, the athletes of the world are competing in the Winter Olympics.  They do this for the reward of a gold medal.  Their lives are a story of hard work and self sacrifice to get to this special moment in life as they seek the glory of a few minutes on the podium as the best in the world.  Without the prospect of a reward few would compete.

 The command in today's scripture to honor our father and mother also comes with a promised reward.  In fact, it is the only one of the 10 commandments with a promise attached to it.  Note two promises to those who obey; you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land God is giving you.  Since Jesus specifically repeated this command we do well to give close attention to this command. 

 One definition of honor is to "value at a price".  The family as the foundation of society is sustained only as parents are valued.  This is a lifelong command.  As children we are to obey parents and as adults we still honor them.  Certainly this requires sacrifice on our part.  Community transformation begins with family transformation and family transformation begins with honoring parents.    Great are the rewards for obedience.

 Lord I thank you for my father and mother and today I honor them for their sacrificial giving of themselves for my good. I pray that you will cause children of all ages to honor their parents so transformation will come to our families and communities.