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Leviticus 20:7 - Do I really have to honor my parents? Day 106

 Leviticus 20:7 - Do I really have to honor my parents? Good afternoon Friends,

I may be repeating myself but, have I mentioned that repetition is Jewish technique for emphasis.  Jesus of often said "Truly, truly I say to you..."  Why does the Second Person of the Trinity, God made flesh have to repeat himself?  When He who is the way, the truth and the life says something is true, it really is true.  So the repetition of commandments in various settings tells us they are really really important.  Don't miss this!!!

Blessings

Jeff

Another "thread in tapestry".  The fifth commandment reappears with a penalty rather than a promise.  Surrounded by punishment for child sacrifice, use of mediums, and sexual immorality.  All connected by "be holy, for I am the LORD your God"

The promise in Exodus 20 was honoring father and mother would result in prolonging of days in the land that the Lord was giving to Israel.  Here the other side of the coin is seen.  Cursing father or mother is a capital offense.  

Matthew Henry points out that parent child relationship is a theme.  Parents are not to sacrifice their children, children are not to curse their parents. 

Instruction -God's expectation - The family is the foundation of society.  Implied in these prohibitions and penalties is that the pagan world is in rebellion and that Israel is prone to follow after them.  As the designer of humankind God knows what is needed to flourish.  We ignore his statutes, rules, commandments at our peril.

Thanksgiving - Family related prohibitions and penalties are of divine origin.  You did not leave it to man to figure it out for himself.  There can be no mistaken the importance due to the severity of the penalty.

Confession - Abortion violates the parent to child duty.  Is it any wonder that children then grow up and dishonor parents for what they have done.  Both parties are damaged by violating either rule.

Petition - Make us diligent in our family relationships.  Listen to the Spirit who consecrates us, gives power to be holy.  Know that You are the LORD who sanctifies, sets us apart, calls us out of the world.


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