HEART CRY OF A FATHER IN ANGUISH – A TRUE STORY

A true incident – the man himself shared this with me. It left me speechless and sad.
A father in his early seventies; a Christian; has children; all of them married. Recently, he fell down unconscious by the roadside, close to his home, around 10 AM. His condition was critical. He was vomiting everything that he ate and drank; even water was vomited. He had no strength in his hands and his feet, as if completely paralysed. 

His children were informed, immediately, about the health of their father. None of them cared to rush to the aid of their sick father, and take him to a doctor. All his children live close by, not too far away. 

This man’s wife, with the help of the strangers, brought him home, and waited till 4 pm, when their children came to check on their father.

With deep anguish and pain, this man, who crossed seventy, a couple of years ago, says, “My children are eagerly waiting for my death.” He further said, “All that my children are thinking is, ‘When will our father die, so that we can divide the property.'” This man is one of my father’s old students.

I felt terribly sad for this old man. I met him a few times. He is a nice man. Sharp and intelligent, and a loving gentleman. What state have we come to, that we don’t anymore care, for the aged parents? What kind of a heart should it be, that does not immediately run to help the suffering father?

Had the mother and the father been so casual and careless about parenting, would the children grow up to what they are today? Have the children forgotten the sacrifices of the parents? Many sleepless nights? Many a day where they went empty stomach to feed the children? Many times foregoing their personal needs, to buy things for their children? Have we forgotten their love, and their sacrifice? Have we forgotten that our lives are built on the sweat and blood of our parents? Alas, it looks like, the children have indeed forgotten, all what the parents have done, for them. They have forgotten that, parents played a crucial role, in contributing to what they are today. 
– “The great duty of children is, to obey their parents. That obedience includes inward reverence, as well as outward acts, and in every age prosperity has attended those distinguished for obedience to parents.” – Matthew Henry

The Bible has warned how people would be in the last days – “Perilous Times and Perilous Men” 
– “​1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” – 2 Timothy 3:1-5

The LORD, in His Word has clearly commanded us, to honour our parents.
– “​1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” – Ephesians 6:1-3

God’s command to honour parents in Exodus 20:12, simply speaks about the significance, the LORD places on, we honouring our parents.
– “12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” – Exodus 20:12

The repeat of the same commandment in Deuteronomy 5:16, reminds us unambiguously, the seriousness that the LORD attaches, to the care of our parents.
– “16 Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” – Deuteronomy 5:16

Here under are some more Scripture portions, to help us see the significance, our LORD placed, in the care of our parents, and the seriousness that is attached, that we obey the same.
– “20 My son, keep your father’s command, And do not forsake the law of your mother. 21 Bind them continually upon your heart; Tie them around your neck. 22 When you roam, they will lead you; When you sleep, they will keep you; And when you awake, they will speak with you.” – Proverbs 6:20-22
– “22 Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old.” – Proverbs 23:22
– “8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; 9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.” – Proverbs 1:8-9
– “20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.” – Colossians 3:20

The above Scriptures are not for some small children in Sunday School. They are written for the adults and grown-ups. That is, you and me, dear friend.

Family is the most important brick in the building called society and nation. When it is weak, then, the rest of the building simply collapses. This is certain. 
– “When the bonds of family life break up, when respect for parents fails, the community becomes decadent and will not live long.” – Rev. William Foulkes

May we sincerely seek to care for the welfare of our aged parents. May we be found as Christians who obey the LORD, and follow in His footsteps. May we always honour our parents. Even so, the LORD help us.