1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

– Ephesians 6:1-4 (ESV)

 

Everyone begins as someone’s child. While this statement is simple it is also deeply profound. The truth is, we never outgrow the effects of this reality. Each of us, for better or for worse, are forever marked by our parents. Last week I was reminded of how deep of a connection I feel toward my own.

 

Early Thursday morning, just prior to beginning my sermon prep, I was rattled by a text from my mom asking me to call her cell phone. When I made the call, I accidentally called the house and heard my father’s voice on the other end. Immediately, I knew something was wrong because, well… he never answers the phone. When I asked him what was wrong, he said my mom had fallen and was in the hospital. Immediately, my heart sank. I got off the phone with him and called her without a moments delay. It was great to hear her voice and to know she was receiving care. As she allowed me to pray with her, I felt the unique weight of praying for my mom.

 

Yes, I’m a pastor, but I’m first her son. I’m her child. I was immediately reminded of the implications of Ephesians 6:2. We never really outgrow the responsibility of honoring our parents. On this occasion, it was an honoring through prayer, but in the days that followed, the honor was expressed through daily phone calls to see how she was doing. I’m glad to say she’s home and recovering well form her fall, praise God!

 

Ephesians 6 reminds us that everyone is first someone’s child. As Christians, no matter the state of our earthly relationship, we can rest assured that we are children of God who are called to honor Him above all. And, as we’ll learn on Sunday, one of the ways we honor our heavenly Father is by honoring our earthly parents. This week we will learn what is means for parents to cherish their children and for children to cherish their folks. Take some time to read Ephesians 6:1-4 and contemplate this thought: your Father allowed you to enter this earth as someone’s child.

 

Here is the worship set to help you prepare your heart for Sunday.

Love you Church,

Jerry Lingenfelter
Senior Pastor