Malachi 1:6 A son honors his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is my honor? and if I be a master, where is my fear?… Every relationship has its rights and duties. God's claims are paramount. As our Father He has a right to our veneration and love. He requires us to possess the filial spirit. I. CONSIDER THE TRUTH ASSUMED. "If then I be a Father." God's Fatherhood has been generally recognised. He has always acted as a Father towards men — 1. In bringing them into existence. 2. In stamping upon them His own image. 3. In providing for their needs in the bounties of nature. 4. In redeeming them from sin. 5. In adopting them into His heavenly family. 6. In arranging life so as to discipline them. II. GOD'S APPEAL IN VIEW OF THIS TRUTH. "Where is Mine honour?" This appeal is just and right. It is our duty to render honour to God. This involves — 1. Reverence toward Him. Always to speak of Him with respect and love; revering His ordinances; worshipping in His sanctuary. 2. Obedience to His commandments. Making them the rule of our lives, and delighting in them as the expression of His will. 3. Trust in His goodness. Believing that He will never err in the arrangements of His providence, but that all things will work together for our good. 4. Submission to His chastisements. Bearing affliction as from His hand. 5. By revealing His image. Showing in our dispositions and deeds that we are His children. III. HOW THIS APPEAL SHOULD BE RESPONDED TO. 1. By serious reflection. 2. By true repentance. 3. By earnest prayer for the possession of the spirit of sonship promised in Christ. 4. By constant efforts to honour God in the future. (W. Osborne Lilley.) Parallel Verses KJV: A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? |
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