Text: Genesis 49:1-4
Memory verse:
“one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence”
‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬

No delegated authority has a universal coverage but only to the sphere in which they were delegated or their own area of responsibility. For example, a man who is a husband and father, has authority only over his wife and children and not on other people’s wives and children. “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”
‭‭(Eph‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬). Did you notice this? “…to your own husband”? God will only hold a father responsible for any unruly behaviours of his family members and not another man’s failure to bring his family members under subjection. This is what the scripture means here. “He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him.” ‭‭(1 Tim‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT). Did you notice that again? ‘…his own family’.
While the scriptures also exhort us to submit to one another, yet our primary obedience and submission should be to the first human authority over us. It’s odd for anyone to obey and submit to other authorities outside but disobedient, rude and disrespectful at home. Your true conversion must be first tested in your relationship with your husband or with your parents.
Only a parent or a higher authority can revoke the pronouncements of a parent over a child. It means, if your father or mother curses you deservedly, only God can revoke it, through a man with a higher anointing. That was why Reuben carried the curse pronounced on him by his father for many years until Moses revoked it (Gen 49:2-3; 1 Chr 5:1; Deut 33:6).
Only this commandment to honour parents has the promise of good life and longevity attached and parents have the authority to invoke them (Exo 20:12; Eph 6:1-3). Honouring outside authorities but dishonouring the authority at home could endanger your life and wellbeing. But when you honour your parents, years will be added to your life and life will be added to your years.

Prayer points
1. Father, help me never to disrespect the authority over me at home but to honour them always in Jesus name.
2. Father, help me to live and to reflect my changed life at home in Jesus name.

Today’s declarations
1. Honouring outside authorities but dishonouring the authority at home could endanger my life and wellbeing.
2. I am not a believer who is wonderful at work, school or church but so unruly and disrespectful at home.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng