Two fathers
Sometimes you see yourself most clearly when two men stand side by side. Read what they did, and look honestly at which side you lean towards. Nobody always stands on the same side.
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Eli
Knew what his sons were doing, spoke to them mildly and left it at that.
Jethro
Saw his son-in-law wearing himself out, said so honestly and helped him with a solution.
Where do you stay silent, when an honest word would help?
Read: 1 Samuel 2:22-25, 1 Samuel 3:13, Exodus 18:17-23
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Laban
Deceived his son-in-law and used his own daughters for his own gain. They later said: he has sold us.
Boaz
Saw a poor foreign woman, protected her and deliberately left more for her than the rule required.
Do you take from the people around you, or give more than you have to?
Read: Genesis 29:25, Genesis 31:14-15, Ruth 2:8-16
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Saul
Held on to his power so tightly that in anger he threw his spear at his own son.
Jonathan
Was himself the crown prince, but gave his robe and his sword to David, because he saw that God was with him.
What are you holding on to that you should let go of or pass on?
Read: 1 Samuel 18:1-4, 1 Samuel 20:30-33
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The father
Saw his lost son coming from far away, ran to meet him and threw a feast.
The elder son
Stayed outside, counted how hard he himself had worked and would not join the party.
Are you more like the father who runs, or the son who counts?
Read: Luke 15:20-32
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David as a father
Let his son Absalom come back, but refused to see him for two years.
God as Father of David
Promised: if he does wrong, I will correct him, but I will not take my faithful love away from him.
After a mistake, do you also let your child feel that you remain faithful?
Read: 2 Samuel 14:24-28, 2 Samuel 7:14-15
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Jacob
Favoured one son, gave him a beautiful robe, and his other sons came to hate their brother.
Joseph
Was sold by his brothers, but later said: do not be afraid, I will provide for you and your children.
Which pattern from your own family do you want to break?
Read: Genesis 37:3-4, Genesis 50:19-21