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?… This text is identified with general and permanent principles, and it admits of a general and permanent application, to be interpreted as a just pleading by Jehovah on behalf of His own glory, with the whole family of man. I. WHENCE THE CLAIM OF GOD UPON THE YOUNG ARISES. From His character as Father. The reason why the Most High is thus represented is, because from His creative will and power men derive their being, and because by His providential arrangements and care their being is supplied and preserved. Hence His paternal character is extensive as the world and permanent as time. It is designed to be recognised by us as involving the two great attributes of authority and kindness — authority which is supreme and unimpeachable, kindness which is unfailing and unbounded. II. WHAT THE CLAIM OF GOD UPON YOU INVOLVES. He claims a Father's right to be honoured. The mode of address here implies. the guilt omission of men to render to God what is His due. "Where Is Mine honour?" A vast proportion of the human family have attempted to banish God as an alien from the universe He has made. 1. The honour which your Father requires is your adoring reverence of His perfections. 2. Your practical obedience of His law. 3. Your zealous devotedness to His cause. III. HOW IS THE CLAIM OF GOD UPON YOU COMMENDED? He whom you are summoned to honour possesses an absolute right to you. 1. Your compliance with the claim of God as your Father will secure your dignity. 2. It will secure your usefulness. 3. It will secure your happiness.Your consciences will be perturbed by no agitations. Your happiness will be that arising from gratitude and from benevolence. The knowledge that you have imparted happiness to others will be delightful. (James Parsons.) 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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