Ephesians 6:1-4
These verses follow right along after the end of Chapter 5 in which we looked at good family relationships. Paul has talked to wives and husbands. Now he turns to the children telling them to obey and honor their parents. He tells them if they obey and honor their parents, things will go well with them and they will live long on the earth. I remember years ago as we talked about these verses in our family, one of the children said, "Wow! Great Grandma (who was nearing 100) must have REALLY obeyed her parents!" The promise of a long life seems to be a principle of what usually happens rather than a binding promise as we think of in modern times. It is possible for obedient children to die young, but it is not the usual case. For one thing, an obedient child is less likely to practice risky behavior which might lead to an early death. No one, not even children, should disobey God in order to obey their parents, but this is rarely a problem. Also, the obedience requirement speaks to children who are still in the home--not to adult children although it's wise for people of all ages to honor their parents.
On the other hand parents are not to provoke their children to anger by being overly demanding, critical, or unreasonable. And so it's a relationship of mutual respect. In fact, all members of the family are called on to respect one another. Parents are to bring their children up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord, lovingly nurturing them along the way. Paul's words speak of the ideal family. We are all sinners by nature, and we live in a fallen world. So we know that no one's home is perfect. Paul sets a high standard for us!
Psalm 77
This psalm, like several we have seen, was also written by Asaph. He seems to be in serious distress and troubled so that he can't even sleep. He tries to pray, but he is "too distressed even to pray!" v. 4
Have you ever been there? Well, if you haven't, you probably will be sooner or later. Asaph finds comfort in recalling God's miracles and the help He has given in the past. This is a great lesson to remember. When we feel upset, afraid, discouraged, distressed, panicked...let's go to God's Word and just keep reading until He shows us how He has worked in the past and perhaps even give us some promises for the future.
"O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations." vv. 13-14
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