We are continuing the series that we have started: “Teach your Children Well,” and the first thing that we want to teach them is how to love God, then we are teaching our children to practice repentance. Today we want to move on to the subject of showing honour. What does it mean to honour?
Honour means “showing esteem for one deserving of respect, attention, or obedience.”
The supreme level of honour is reserved for God alone. But there is no question the Bible tells children to honour their mom and dad. As I was studying this, something occurred to me about a child giving honour to a parent; that it is a representation of how Jesus honored His Father in His earthly ministry.
So, let's take a look at a story in Genesis 9. The scene is after the flood; an incident happens that is very much out of character for righteous Noah - let's read about it:
Genesis 9: 20 And Noah began to be a farmer, and he planted a vineyard. 21Then he drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent. 22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside. 23 But Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and went backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father’s nakedness.
Noah’s son, Ham, mocked his father for his shameful behaviour, he held him in contempt.
We’re not sure what he said, but we know it was extremely dishonoring, it had serious consequences. But the other two brothers, Shem and Japheth treated their father with honor…and their actions are representative of Christ who honored His Father. There are five qualities of giving honor.
Right - honor does the right thing Genesis 9:23 But Shem and Japheth took a garment… Japheth and Shem wanted to make the situation “right.”
Responsibility - honour “shoulders” the responsibility Genesis 9:23 ...(they) laid it on both their shoulders… they took the responsibility to honor their father and to restore his dignity.
Resolve - they were resolved to restore the dignity of this great man. Genesis 9:23 …(they)went backward… they would not even dare to look at his shame so as to remember it.
Remedial - honour comes up with a remedy.
Genesis 9: 23 ….(they) covered the nakedness of their father….they did it out of the honor that they had for him.
Respect - honour shows respect in dire circumstances Genesis 9:23 Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father’s nakedness….his sons refused to have this event in their memory bank.
We are challenged to teach our children to honour:
Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
Join us in person on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. or via livestream by going to https://www.firstbaptistsudbury.com and clicking on livestream for “Honour’s Reward.”
Blessings,
Kevin
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