-So here in this list of familial commands we consider the first of the Ten Commandments with a promise (as Paul tells us in a parallel passage - Eph 6.2-3). It was the first directive the Lord gave concerning the horizontal relationships between people (the first five concerned the vertical, how we are to relate to God Himself). To obey here literally means, ‘to listen under’. It describes hearing something and then doing it. What you hear is what you do. And in this context, the scope is everything. There is not one instance where children have an excuse to not listen to their parents and then do what they say. So, why the need to stress this? And why is this something that gives the Lord particular pleasure?
-This section is all about how we relate within relationships of authority. Be sure of this, our posture towards human authority (all of which has been established by God, cf Jn 19.11, Rom 13.1-2), our respect for both the person and the position (or lack thereof), the degree to which we may question and challenge and disregard these, is a reflection of our heart towards the One Who is our Ultimate Authority. Our respect and submission to authority does not have to be earned - it is compelled by a higher obligation, put there by Almighty God (Tit 3.1-2, 1Pet 2.13-17). But any disrespect and disregard we display towards whatever authority God has ordained for our lives will be disseminated to those around us - particularly to our kids. That is why Paul includes instructions for children here. The point is not just, children you need to obey your parents. It is also, parents, you must help your children learn to obey you. Rebellion is contagious. We ourselves are the progeny of rebels. Many US Americans cannot even think objectively about how we relate to authority, as predisposed towards disrespect and disregard as we have been for centuries. We threw off the king and put in a president who we freely criticize and disrespect and dismiss every 4-8 years. Submission and respect becomes a short-term nuisance at best. Do we even know how to honor the king? Or our boss? Or our pastor? We are prone to throw these off at the first opportunity. How about our parents? Or our spouse? Freedom is not a green light to disobey God by dishonoring those He has placed in authority in our lives (cf Ex 16.7-8, Num 14.1-4, 14.9, 14.26-27), even if that authority is unreasonable (1Pet 2.18-19). I’m not necessarily advocating about staying in an abusive situation, altho obedience even unto death is certainly what Christ modeled for us and how the early church lived (and died - as martyrs). But respect is not given to human authority because they deserve it. We give it because God wants us to - it not only shows our own heart of submission to Him but also gives the world a glimpse of how God’s people can and should relate to Him. THIS finds favor with God and makes Him happy.
-The word for ‘parents’ is goneus, which derives from the verb ginomai, meaning to come/bring into being, to become. In other words, we are talking about the people who brought us into the world. Here again we are talking about an opportunity to reflect a divine relationship, one which exists between the Heavenly Father Who uniquely designed us and ultimately brought us into this world and those He has made, His children. Just as it brings great pleasure to the heart of any parent when children listen and do the things that are asked of them, it gives God pleasure when His children listen to Him and do what He wants. And so children must learn to obey their parents in everything not only because it is right but because it does indeed give God great pleasure.
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