As a parent, I think one of the hardest things to endure is a child disengaging from you, and the worst case scenario, the faith you raised them in. I’ve had occasion recently to read of two such incidents in the Bible where this happened. Each time the son went off the rails.
I worked on a sermon recently where I studied about Hezekiah, the father, and his son, Manasseh. Hezekiah was a good and godly king who brought much-needed reform to Judah. His major glitch happened after a sickness that was to kill him was healed, after he begged God to let him live. (Okay, he whined). He lived 15 more years. During those 15 years Manasseh as born, but it was also when Hezekiah allowed his pride to get in the way and he opened up the temple stores to brag about his wealth to visitors. When he died, Manasseh took over and the Bible says he was one of the most wicked kings ever. 55 years of ungodly practices, witchcraft, sacrificing children to a foreign god (including his own son), and much more. If Hezekiah had lived to see that he would have probably rued the day Manasseh was born. His life was totally off the rails, unlike his father’s in every way, especially in his faith.
The other is Absalom, the son of David. He avenged the rape of his sister by Amnon, his and her half brother. I get it. David did nothing to punish Amnon. N.O.T.H.I.N.G. A father should defend the honor of his daughter. What David didn’t do, Absalom did. The result was banishment from the kingdom and even after Joab convinced David to let him back in, David refused to talk to him. For two years! Eventually, Absalom rebelled against his father and David went on the run. In time, Absalom gets his hair got caught in a tree and Joab makes sure he never breathes again. David hears about Absalom’s death and only a father can sense the anguish in his cry, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you! O Absalom, my son, my son.” (2 Sam. 18:33 NLT) There is some debate as to why David was this remorseful, especially when he banished him and then ignored him. I simply take it as a father who loved his son and missed him, maybe lamenting the way he treated him. I know plenty of fathers who fit that last statement.
Not always does life, or people, turn out the way we planned or wanted. All a parent (or relative/friend) can do is to ask God to help them leave a legacy behind that is worth seeing. I have a daughter who will soon be 50 and another who will soon be 46. I have a grandson who is 18 and a multitude of people who call me pastor. I pray I have left a godly influence and my legacy says I had a heart for God.
And you?
Even when our children go astray later in life, we never stop loving them and praying for them, Bill. I do hope my legacy is one of commitment to God and love for all of my family.
Blessings!
Very true Martha and I’m “betting” it will be. 🙂
For the vast majority, we personally will not be remembered even 2 generations after we are gone. I know my grandfather, but don’t know much of his father. I know my dad, but didn’t know his dad. That is in my own family. What will last (hopefully) will be the values and character passed on. My hope is that my contributions to the character and values will be passed on. Whether or not my great great great great grandchildren know me, my hope is that a piece of me will leave on through the values and character displayed to my children. My hope in fact is that my children will exceed and go beyond what I have shared and even be more of a positive impact. Regardless, I know my children know God. I know they have put their trust in Jesus. Even if there are times where lives may not be lived consistent with God’s instruction (self included) I know their eternity is secure. My hope is that when the next generation arrives, Jesus will be known and trusted in their lives as well.
Well said and great thoughts Ryan. The truth is what you say: people probably won’t remember us but the chance to pass along integrity and honesty and hard work will last for more than a generation. Knowing your children know Jesus is so important in this age of questions and doubts. Thanks for a well-stated comment.