Leviticus 19

“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and keep My Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God. Do not turn to idols, nor make for yourselves molded gods: I am the Lord your God.’” Leviticus 19:1-4 (NKJV)

I find it interesting how chapter 18 deals with the sinful behavior that caused the Canaanites to be expelled from the land. Chapter 19 begins as chapter 18 ends with a challenge to be holy, that is, “separate” from other nations and customs.

Also intriguing is how immediately following God’s reason for expelling the Canaanites from the land and His command of holiness, God reminds Israel of the 5th commandment.

“Honor your father and mother, so that you may LIVE LONG IN THE LAND which the Lord is giving you.” Exodus 20:12 (HCSB) (Emphasis mine)

The beautiful irony is that the 5th commandment is the only commandment with a promise directed towards longevity in the land.

So, let me clarify:  Sexual sin becomes increasingly more perverted and eventually leads to expulsion from the land. Honoring your father and mother ensures longevity in the land.

Perhaps we should look closer at what it means to “honor” your father and mother.

Honoring one’s parents means more than simply “obeying” them. You bring honor to your parents when you honor the Lord. For instance, if both your parents are unbelievers and strongly oppose your belief in Jesus, the best way to “honor” them is by disobeying their wishes and becoming a believer! Your following the Lord brings honor to your mother and father, even if it goes against their wishes.

“Sexual sin” and “honoring your parents” are diametrically opposed because God is concerned with both familial and spiritual legacies. The fruit of sexual relations is in our offspring. When we honor the Lord with our lives, we ensure that we produce not only good works unto the Lord but also that our offspring will do so, as well. Obedience to God and the continuation of a God-honoring legacy throughout the generations are inseparable.

From holy people come children who, when raised in a God-honoring environment, grow into a strong community that honors God.   Carnal people bear offspring who, outside of God’s intervention, will continue in a downward moral spiral.

So, be holy! Surrender yourself to the Lord and His ways, and let Him establish your legacy of holiness. And your first step is to surrender to Messiah Jesus.