Obey your Parents

Sunday 27 August
READ: Eph. 6:1-3
MORE LESSON: Exo. 19:3-6

The command to obey parents is from God, therefore children must realize that it is not the parents that are demanding obedience (Eph.6:1). Whatever God demands from mankind is for their good, if they obey (Isa. 1:19 – 20, Eph. 6:2 – 3, Jer. 13: 10-11).
Every human being has parents through whom God brought him/her into the world to fulfil His purpose. A child's destiny is tied to that of his/her parents from conception all through life. This is in line with the fact that two must agree before they can walk or work together to achieve a purpose. The care given by parents during children's tender age, when they cannot even help themselves, is enormous. From childhood to adulthood, godly parents are still relevant.
Parents guide children from birth, and labour over them night and day so that they can survive and grow. They guard children from dangers (physical and spiritual, etc) and labour to meet their needs. All these sacrifices or labour by parents stem from their love for the children and for their well being. Don't bite the fingers that feed you (I Sam.12:24). It is only under demonic influence that a parent can hate or wish evil for his/her child. The example of such parents are those who sacrifice or dedicate their children to the devil.
Even when you have grown up and can fend for yourself, you are not expected to disobey your parents. You must have regard for God that gave the instruction (Eph.6:1). Obedience to parents comes with the blessing of long life from God. Even for ungodly instruction, prayerfully, politely and wisely, let them know you can not disobey the Word of God in order to obey them.
Obedience to parents is an indication of your confidence in them (Jn.12:50) and this will bring you into favour with God and man. It was Esther's obedience to Modecai that made God favour her before the king to become queen. Obedience fosters good relationship between you and your parents and siblings. Such brings love, joy, peace, unity and the blessings of God in the home (Psa. 133:1 – 3). Obedience makes them bless and not curse you. Jacob’s declarations came to pass over all his children except where God's mercy stepped in to alter the negative ones.
You may feel that your parents or leaders cannot punish you when you disobey them, but remember that God will punish all sinners except they repent (I Sam.12:15). Jesus obeyed His earthly parents: Joseph and Mary (Lk.2:46 – 52) as well as His heavenly Father (Jn. 12 : 49 – 50). Disobedience to parents is a dishonour to them. God expressly commands children to honour their parents (Eph. 6:2, Deut. 5: 16, Mal. 1: 6, Matt.15:3-6). Children, don't put your future at a risk; follow God's instructions to obey and honour your parents. When you do so, it will be well with you; and God will preserve and bless your destiny.

Prayer/Action
* Lord, help me to be obedient to my parents (physical and spiritual), in Jesus’ name.
* The spirit of disobedience will not prevail against our children, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER
Father, I announce red flag for the devil over every inch of my life and family and I decree no trespass, in the mighty name of Jesus.