JUNE 6, Deuteronomy 21:18-21

When the word “family” is mentioned, what comes to your mind? It will be father, mother and children. The father is the head of the family. During Biblical times, the father ruled over his family like a king. That means everyone in the family must do whatever he tells them to do. Then you may ask: what if the father was an evil man? That is why there was this strict discipline over the sons in the family, as in the Bible verses you have just read. You may think that it was so cruel to stone the son to death. But imagine what would happen when the rebellious son lived on and became a father himself. What would you expect his children to be like? Like father, like son. What if his brothers and sisters behaved like him too!

A son who was stubborn and rebellious, a drunkard, a robber or a glutton, would be a disgrace to the family. His parents would need to correct him by teaching or even by punishing him. We can be sure that his parents would do their very best to help him repent. But, if he continued to be disobedient, he would have to “face the music”. That means he had to face judgment for his own evil deeds. His father had no choice but to bring him to the elders of the city. It was according to God’s law. The elders would assemble at the city gate. There, the elders would listen to the father’s case against him. If the son was found guilty, the men of the city would stone him to death. The father would be extremely sad over his son but he chose to obey God’s law. God’s law encouraged the people to avoid evil deeds.

God has given fathers and mothers the authority over their children. Therefore, it is important for children to obey their fathers and mothers. It is so important to God that He has included it in the Ten Commandments.

Find the verse (Exodus 20: __ ) that will help you unscramble these words.

Thought: God has made my father the head of the family. He has authority over me.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to love, respect and obey my parents always. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.