Generations


Leviticus 10:1-2, I Samuel 2:12 - 3:18, 8:1-5

I don't think most guys (not boys) truly appreciate their fathers until they are older.  Unfortunately, some guys never appreciate their fathers.  And some fathers live in such a way they should not be appreciated.  We live in a culture brimming with men who have major Daddy issues.  Part of that problem can be from the immaturity of the guy.  Much of it can be from fathers who choose emotional (and even physical) distance as opposed to loving warmth and guidance.  Perhaps they choose harsh criticism instead of kind support.  Or maybe they live by the closed fist instead of an open embrace. 

Men may not fully comprehend the effect or power that they hold on their children (or those who are under their care).  Aaron, Eli, Samuel all had despicable sons.  Let's look briefly at them.

Aaron's Sons: Nadab and Abihu
On the first day of the priesthood.  Aaron's sons offer "strange fire" and are immediately consumed by God.  A great and glorious day of worship takes a quick very unfortunate turn.

Eli's Sons: Hophni and Phinehas
These priests were tampering with peoples sacrifices.  They were taking the best of the meat, that should have been sacrificed to God, and using it for themselves.  I Samuel 2:17 says that, "they treated the Lord's offerings with contempt."

Samuel's Sons: Joel and Abijah
These sons were appointed as judges over Israel.  The book of first Samuel says that they took bribes and perverted justice.  It was said that they were not like their father.

These fathers individually are not typically thought of as horrible people.  But they all share a common problem.  These men were strong leaders in Israel.  For some reason they valued one set of God given duties over another.  Their job (holy calling if you will) was treated with utmost importance.  The problem is that it would seem that their family was not treated with the same value.  That is difficult to deal with. 


I am a young father.  I do not think that I am any better than these three dads or even my own father.  The reality is that God has put into my life some great godly men who were also great fathers.  So, do I take the time to observe these men carefully, to seek their guidance, and heed it?  Or do I simply try to do what I can, allow my wife to shoulder a portion of my responsibility, and act like everything is alright.  With so much at stake how can I pursue the latter?

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Filth Crave

Too Comfortable