Monday August 8, 2022

Today is Monday, August 8 and this week we are studying Paul’s letter to the Ephesians chapter six.

As I enter this time of prayer, I pause to be still and be with the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Most Holy God, I am eager to meet with you today. Help me set aside all distractions to focus my heart and mind on you. Amen.

I rejoice in the Lord with the words of Psalm 145.

I will exalt you, my God the King;

Psalm 145:1-5

Pause and Pray

Today we continue to explore the reciprocal duties explained by Paul in his practical instruction for Christian family life. Paul describes a single new humanity, which God is creating through Christ. The Lord God created order in the family from the beginning, but it was spoiled by human rebellion. Now, he continues his work of reconciliation, transforming relationships in Christ. Ephesian Christians would be familiar with the quoted text from the Old Testament scriptures (Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16). The original covenant blessing was tied to the promised land, but Paul alters the words to reflect a new community that fills the whole earth.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3

I read these revolutionary words from Paul, many years from when he wrote them to the Early Church, still trying to wrap my mind around how Christ continues to transform my own relationships. My loyalty to Christ must come first before I can pursue a right relationship with anyone else. For it is his Spirit that refines me and enables me to grow in holiness. How have my interactions with my father and mother changed since I invited Jesus into my life? Obedience to parents not only brings order into my life and our family, but because of God’s loving character it also brings blessings. Surely these blessings are abundant. How often do I notice them?

Ask: How have my relationships been changed since I began my new life “in the Lord”? What blessings have I received by my obedience to my parents?

Pause and Pray

Heavenly Father, I am first your child whom you love dearly. I choose to obey you and the order you have put into my life. Thank you for giving me life to enjoy and for everything you have given me out of your great love for me. I reread the words from Ephesians and seek your message for me today.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3

Ask: What word or phrase stands out to me in this passage? How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me today?

I approach God’s Word time and time again and he speaks to me through familiar passages in a fresh, relevant, and personal way. How does God want me to respond today?

Pause and Pray

God, thank you for the order you created and for the part I get to play in it. Help me to obey joyfully and to put my allegiance to Christ above all. Amen.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Colossians 3:20

Father, as I draw near to you, guide me in my relationships to reflect your character. Help me to keep your commands and see your blessings today.

Amen