If I asked you what the first commandment that comes with a promise, would you remember what it is? That phrase comes from Paul’s letter to the Ephesian Christians:
““Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”” (Ephesians 6:2–3, ESV)
This is the only one of the Ten Commandments with a promise. From Exodus 20:12 (ESV) we read, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” The land of Palestine was supremely important to Israel. If they remained faithful to God, they would experience all His blessings in the land. For God to remove Israel from the land indicated punishment and cursing. To be taken from the land meant to be taken from the Temple – the presence of God.
In New Covenant terms the idea of the land is similar. It means the presence of God and His blessing in our lives. So, to live an obedient life to the Biblical teaching of your parents comes with a promise of God’s presence and blessing.
That’s the point of today’s message.
