Noah, a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5) had come off of a mountaintop experience. He had warned a generation or more of people about God’s impending judgment. He has built and then entered an ark with his family and at least two of every creature on earth. After landing on a mountaintop, he planted a vineyard, made wine and got drunk. His son Ham found his father passed out and uncovered. He made a choice to dishonor his father by looking at his father’s unclothed body and then pointed out the situation to his two brothers. Even though what Noah did was wrong, Ham had to decide how to respond to the situation. He chose to dishonor his father. This story in Genesis illustrates the importance of honoring our parents whether or not they make good choices.
The Pharisees told themselves that they could choose not to support their parents with finances by saying the needed money was devoted to God. After all, God was more important than their parents. Jesus points out that by choosing not to help their parents, they are breaking the Fifth Commandment to honor their father and mother.
Years ago, I had my first full-time job. I felt rich because I could finally buy a vacuum. But I was still in training and had a small salary. My mother had started calling and writing to ask for help with finances. She was divorced and still had eight children in her household. Although my father sent child support, it was not enough. The issue was that the amount she was requesting was more than I could afford. Also, I was a brand-new believer in my first church and excited about following God and tithing. Then I read this passage in Matthew. I also read I Timothy 5:8 which states that “anyone who does not provide for their relatives and especially for those of their own household has denied the faith and is worse than a nonbeliever.” Ouch!
My church helped me to reconcile the situation. I met with one of the deacons who helped me set up my first budget. We figured out an amount I could send my mother, give to the church and cover basic expenses. We also discussed sticking to this budget. This would allow me to honor my mother while meeting other obligations.
For Reflection:
- Why do you think the choices we make to honor others, especially family members, matter to God? How is it possible to show honor to them, even if we disagree or struggle with their choices?
by Bonnie Tesch
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