DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
READ: Exodus 20 (Focus vs. 8-17 & 20-21)
MEMORY VERSE
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12
BACKGROUND
Branden’s father was dying of cancer in his fifties. Wanting to help, Branden talked his parents into moving in with him so he could assist them.
His dad loved the tropics but could no longer travel, so Branden got creative. He landscaped a pond behind his house, stocked it with fish, and installed a waterfall that tumbled over rocks.
He trucked in three loads of beach sand, added banana trees, lights, and tiki torches, and built an awning for shade. His dad spent his last days enjoying a backyard island paradise.
Branden’s actions reflect the kind of harmony between parents and children envisioned in Exodus 20. There, God through Moses instructed the children of Israel, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12).
That directive grows out of the commands to love and respect our heavenly Father (vv. 3-8) and bridges to the last five commands, which instruct us how to love and respect our fellow human beings. Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t covet (vv. 12-17).
Honoring parents might come easily for some. For others, it’s extremely difficult. There’s too much pain and distrust. Old wounds refuse to heal. We can commit them to God our Father, who understands that pain. He enables us to live in His love.
Tim Gustafson
INSIGHT
The Ten Commandments set up principles for God’s people, the Israelites, so they’d flourish. The first four commandments emphasize single-minded devotion to God (Exodus 20:3-11). The last six outline how devotion to God should shape human relationships (vv. 12-17).
At the heart of these commands is showing respectful honor to all (Matthew 22:37-40). Society flourishes when there’s respectful care for all people, including parents and the elderly.
The command to honor parents (Exodus 20:12) doesn’t mean that people should remain in damaging relationships with parents or others or should minimize harmful behavior, for we’re also called to be truthful.
But our Creator wants us to recognize that each person is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and therefore we should desire every person’s well-being and respect them.
Monica La Rose
APPLICATION
What does it mean for you to honor your parents? What obstacles might you face to do that?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“…our Creator wants us to recognize that each person is made in God’s image and therefore we should desire every person’s well-being and respect them.
PR’s TAKE
“God is love. He loves and he pursues us with that love. And when I experienced His love, I was able to share that love with others. I appreciate the love God has for me.“ Jeanette Duby
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, show me how to honor others, especially when that seems difficult.
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“SHARE HIS LOVE” William Reynolds
The love of God is broader
Than earth’s vast expanse
‘Tis deeper and wider than the sea
Love reaches out to all
To bring abundant life
For God so loved the world
His only Son He gave
Share His love by telling
What the Lord has done for you
Share His love by sharing of your faith
And show the world that Jesus Christ
Is real to you ev’ry moment ev’ry day
All those who have trusted
In God’s only Son
And hold this precious treasure
In their hearts
Seek ways to make it known
To all who need to know
That God so loved the world
His only Son He gave
We show the love of God
Each day we live
Reveal Christ’s presence in our lives
And how the Holy Spirit
Guides us day by day
For God so loved the world
His only Son He gave
