One minute read.
Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 8:11-10:19, Romans 8:9-25, Psalm 18:16-36, Proverbs 19:26
Daily Verse: “He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach.” Prov. 19:26
Shame and reproach.
Reading today’s verse made me think of Lyle and Erik Menendez, two brothers who brutally murdered their parents in 1989. Housed together in RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, they received life sentences for their crimes. Netflix’s “Monster,” tells their story.
“Honor thy father and mother” (Deut.20:12) has a promise attached to it. The fifth commandment in the Big Ten promises long life to those who obey it. Our parents gave us life; God wants their sacrifice honored.
Having children does come with sacrifice. I don’t have children, yet I know this truth. Having coffee with a young mom of five, I saw the exhaustion on her face, the energy she used to address each of her child’s demands patiently, and the unconditional love she poured into each of them.
Honor parents. We don’t have to agree with them to respect their authority in our life. Without them and the good Lord, we wouldn’t have a life to live.
Lord, forgive us for not honoring our parents. Thank You for giving us life through them. Show us how You want us to serve them today. Let us honor them well. IJNIP. Amen
