Keys to Long Life (I):

“No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfil the number of your days.” (Exodus 23:26, New King James Version).

 This is the key Bible verse for the “Come and See” devotional today.

This key Bible verse reveals the personal commitment of Almighty God to ensure that our days are long enough to complete our divine assignments. He also wants us to be in sound health. Thus, the Bible states: “also beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 1:2, New King James Version).

The affairs of God are always kept concealed and we need to clarify the substance and meaning of His promises as contained in His words. Thus, Proverbs 25:2 (New King James Version) states: “it is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” With this in mind we recall that Jesus Christ has made us into Kings and Priests unto God (read Revelation 5:10) and so it is our duty to search out what is available for a successful life.

As mortals, each and every one of us wishes for a long life: the Bible reveals one of the keys to this. Thus, all the Ten Commandments given to Moses, which are all still relevant today, are meant to be strictly obeyed. Of these, the fifth commandment carries a unique promise of long life. It states: “honour your father and your mother that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20.12, New English Standard Version).

We need to ask ourselves:  how do we honour our fathers and mothers? This process begins by recognising the place of parents in the life of a child, noting that the term ‘parents’ does not necessarily mean just the biological father and mother. On the contrary, a ‘parent’ is interpreted as anyone whom God has placed in the position of authority over our lives, including people who have guided us or are still guiding us into personal growth and maturity.

As we grow older it becomes easy to neglect these people who are always around us. However, they hold the key to our long and fulfilled living. We should honour and respect them by taking heed of their guidance. Likewise, we must show them care and attend to their socio-economic needs. We must live up to their expectations, upholding the good values they taught us from childhood or early days.

We must all look around to identify anyone who is in this position in our lives: note that this could be anyone! It could be adopted parents or the oldest person in the family. There will always be someone within reach whom we can honour to access long life from the Living God as promised in His words.

Let us pray: “Father, I thank you for the revelation of Your Word. I receive your grace  to honour my parents as you have commanded. Let me live long to fulfil my purpose in life,” in Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen.

This message was brought to you by Evangelical Ministries International (EMI). We know this message has been a blessing to you. Please share your testimonies with us by visiting our website www.evangelicalministries.org or contact us on info@evangelicalministries.org. God bless you!