The Ten Commandments are repeated twice in the Old Testament (in Exodus and Deuteronomy). Both times the command to honor your father and mother is given, it’s linked to a reward, “. . . so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
While reward today won’t take the form of productive fields or successful battles with warring neighbors, God still desires to bless you in your obedience. Paul, in Ephesians 6, reiterates this truth reminding the believers that God desires to bless those whose hearts are fully devoted to him.
Once you’ve learned to honor your parents (regardless if they deserve it), you’ll function in society so much better (an incredible reward!). Also, how you honor your parents is probably how your kids will honor you in your aging years. Your reward is kids who honor you and God who is pleased. It’s a form of worship to obey God in this area.
In our obedience, we experience freedom and richness in our relationship with God that’s more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey. Remind yourself of God’s goodness today by listening to the song “Good Good Father” by Chris Tomlin as we honor our earthly parents and heavenly Father from sincere hearts.
