Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee (Exodus 20:12).
The first four of the Ten Commandments were God-ward. This is the first that is man-ward.
In Ephesians 6:2, Paul appealed to this Old Testament passage describing it as “the first commandment with promise.” Commandments one through four do not have a promise attached.
It has always been God’s will that one honor his parents, respect and care for them. To rebel against the righteous instruction of parents is to rebel against God.
In Old Testament times, children who were rebellious toward their parents were stoned to death. In contrast, as one honored his parents, his days would be long upon the land.
The book Meditations Of My Heart (from which this daily devotional is taken) is available / can be ordered from Sain Publications (931-363-6905 or email psain@sainpublications.com).