Devotional #2       


Victory in Family Roles

When I was little, I didn’t think very well of myself.  I especially remember how difficult things were between me and my dad. It seemed as if he enjoyed frustrating me. Once I received Jesus as my personal Savior, I began to know God as “Father.” Whenever I would read the Bible, He helped me to understand what “daddy” could really mean to me. A loving Heavenly Father also began to heal my view of myself as a “son.”

On a certain day, for example, I heard the Lord leading me to the Bible verse about ‘obeying your parents.’ Although I knew this commandment, I was so angry in that moment that my Heavenly Father seemed to be obligating me to my earthly dad. Worst of all, this happened after my dad yelled at me about something that I deemed to be unfair. At first, I said, “I won’t look!” Can you believe that? I was saying, “NO,” to God! I heard a very firm, but loving, “Read it, my child!” I didn’t doubt who was speaking to my heart in that moment!

Obediently, I found it in Ephesians 6:1. I read, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right…” Wait a minute! I remembered that the part “in the Lord” was NOT included in the Old Testament. Of course, that made sense! You see, the Jews of Moses’ time, with the help of the Ten Commandments, were becoming a community of faith. All of the members of a Jewish family would follow the Law of Moses. Now-a-days, just as in my case, children may be believers while their parent may not be following Christ. I understood that the Lord was showing me to obey my dad as much as I could, but not when it would cause me to sin.

Instructed to read on, I did so a little more willingly. “Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on earth.” Wow, my Heavenly Father wanted my obedience to this commandment so that I would have a good and a long life.

  

“Read on…” was the familiar and now more welcome refrain. “And you fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Amazing! At last, I saw that my Heavenly Father explained how my dad had always made me feel (provoked to wrath).”

Sometimes, I can see that my discipline of my sons may seem very tough and critical to them. I am reminded how I felt and try to temper disciple with love. The Lord loves us all. He even disciplines in love. God desires to bring healing to you and your relationships, if you will trust Him and let Him do it. Won’t you let Him heal your relationships, today?

See It for Yourself: Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-4

Prayer Focus:         

Dear Lord,                                                                           

     Please bring health and healing within all of our relationships.

Help us to see ourselves as You see us. Help us to fulfill the roles in our families that best bless each other and most honor You!

     In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Working It Out:      

·         Compassionately hear each other out.

·         Look to God and His Word to deal with situations that arise between you.

·         Make time to enjoy and build each other up.

·         Let God do His work of healing in you by trusting and obeying Him.