GOD’S PLAN FOR THE FAMILY                                            Ephesians 6-18

Honour your father and mother… which is the first commandment with promise (v2)

(5) The fifth Commandment falls in the second section of the Ten Commandments that focuses on our relationship to each other. The six Commandments in this section reveal for all time the divine thinking on human relationships. First comes the family relationship: “Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12) Families are part of God’s plan.

Listen to how the AMPC Bible translates Psalm 68:6 “God places the solitary in families and gives the desolate a home in which to dwell.” The nature of human life on this earth is that each new generation begins where the last one leaves off. That’s not just an interesting theory; it is an indisputable fact. The blessings and sins of one generation have an impact on succeeding generations. This is true physiologically, psychologically and spiritually. And because this is the nature of human society, we need instructions that address the issues and give us clear guidelines on how to live well. No nation can rise higher than its homes and families. Indeed, I will go further – no nation can survive unless it gives attention to principles of effective family living. We either heed the helm or we musts heed the rocks. Mother and Father are the skylights through a child gets his or hers first glimpse of God.

PRAYER LINE: Gracious God, help me to light a flame of honour to Your name that the next generation may get from me and my family a touch that will never go out. In Jesus’ Name I ask it. Amen. (EDWJ)

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No nation can rise higher than its homes and families.