CARING for PARENTS is our DUTY and PRIVILEGE
March 27 Bible
Reading: 1 Samuel Chapters 22-24
CARING for PARENTS is our DUTY and PRIVILEGE
"Then David went from there to
Mizpah of Moab; and he said to the king of Moab, "Please let my father and mother come here with you, till I know
what God will do for me." So he brought them before the king of Moab,
and they dwelt with him all the time that David was in the stronghold" (1 Sam 22:3-4)
David is
being chased around the country side like a dog by King Saul. During the course
of his travels he reaches Mizpah in the country of Moab. "Mizpah"
signifies a watchtower or fort (1Sam 22:4). The king of Moab was an enemy of
Saul (1Sam 14:47), whereas David being the great-grandson of Ruth was related
to Moab. David was willing to seek an asylum in Moab as the Moabites had no
grounds for entertaining vindictive feelings against him. Their enmity with
Saul made them more willing to receive an illustrious refugee from Israel.
We can observe
with what tender concern David provided for his aged parents. The first thing
he does is to find them a quiet habitation and keep them from harm no matter whatever
happened to him. As children we need to honor our parents and provide for their
needs, especially when they are old. In the Bible, we see many examples of
saints taking care of their parents. In the Old Testament, Joseph took care of
his parents and provided for them when they were old. In the New Testament, our
Lord Jesus is the best example of someone who had concern for his mother during
his dying moments. In John 19:26-27, Jesus entrusts John with the
responsibility of taking care of his earthly mother Mary when he would depart
from the earth.
Caring for parents is both our duty and our privilege. One of the Ten Commandments tells us: "Honor your father and your mother that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you" (Ex 20:12). "But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God" (1 Tim 5:4). Let us obey, honor and care for our parents - for this is well pleasing to God!
