Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. John 5:19-23 NASB
The Son
imitates the Father. The Father teaches the Son. Honor the Father. Honor the
Son. Just like most modern families—well families that have fathers and sons—children
imitate their parents. Kids live what they learn from both their parents,
although in the father-son relationship there is a bond that is stronger than
that of the mother-son. Boys want to grow up to be firemen…or policeman…or
maybe a football player…and eventually like their dad, maybe. There is a hero
worship there—even if it isn’t a career choice that is the same as Dad’s, then
some of the qualities are still desired, or not. Jesus wanted to be like His
Heavenly Father. He spent a lot of time talking to Him, praying. “Hey Dad—did you
see what I did today? I fed 5,000 guys who came to hear me teach them some of
the stuff you taught me. There was a little boy there with a few little fish
and some puny barley loaves—so I blessed them, like you taught me—and fed all
those men and their families. It was a good picnic. These people down here are
pretty special. Thanks for letting me help them, heal them, and teach them
about you.” Jesus was imitating His Father. Fathers, be careful what you teach
your sons by your words and your actions. They are watching.
The Son
gives Life to whom He wishes. God the Father is sitting back and letting the
Son judge the humans down here on earth. Those who treat the Son with respect
are also treating the Father with respect—giving Him the esteem and honor of which
He is worthy. In judgment those who honor the Father and Son will be looked
upon more highly.
How do
we “respect” the Father…the Son? What have I done today to show honor to the
Father or to the Son? For starters I have not worshiped any idols…nor taken God’s
name in vain …nor killed, stolen anything, lied, committed adultery, or coveted
anything my neighbor owns. That is beginning to look like the Ten Commandments.
Yes, so far today I have not broken any of the Ten Commandments. That is a good
start at honoring the one who wrote them. How’s your day going? Do you find it
challenging to keep all the commandments? Jesus taught … You have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT
MURDER' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.' But I say to
you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the
court; and whoever says to his brother, ' You good-for-nothing,' shall be
guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty
enough to go into the fiery hell.
Matthew 5:21-22 NASB and…You have heard that it was said,
'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a
woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28 NASB More red letter words worth considering.
Murder, deceit, adultery can all occur in the mind or heart, as well as in a
physical sense. Jesus knows our hearts—we need to honor Him with our very
heart, soul and mind.
Dear Jesus—we want to honor You and Your Father,
who is our Father. You are watching. Our children are watching. Give us courage
and strength to always think and do the right things.
© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment