Parents of famous sons. Often we know about the extraordinary lives of great leaders, but we are mistaken if we believe they somehow achieved greatness in isolation. Influential parents are often overshadowed by the famous children they nurtured.
Many people know of the legendary feats of the famous strong man, Samson. His amazing life is details in the book of Judges. But, the circumstances of his birth, and details concerning his amazing parents are found in Judges 13. There we are told that an angel of the Lord appeared to a childless couple, to announce the birth of a son. This angelic messenger gave specific pre-natal care instructions to his mother (Judges 13:2-5). This woman's husband, rather than being skeptical at the story of the angelic birth announcement, instead earnestly sought wisdom in raising the boy: "Then Manoah entreated the LORD and said, 'O Lord, please let the man of God whom You have sent come to us again that he may teach us what to do for the boy who is to be born.'" (Judges 13:8).
God answered Manoah's prayer and re-sent His messenger. He had opportunity to ask for clarification regarding his role as a parent: "Now when your words come to pass, what shall be the boy's mode of life and his vocation?" (Judges 13:12). The angel's answer was quite simple: he reiterated his previous instruction - "Let the woman pay attention to all that I said." (Judges 13:13).
Contained in this simple statement is the greatest principle of parenting - and living - ever declared: "pay attention to all that I said." It really is as simple as that: do as God has said. His word, the Bible, contains His detailed instructions for living life on every level - as a parent, husband or wife, single person, child, teen, elderly person, employer, or employee. There is no level of living not covered by God and His word. The biggest problem? Paying careful attention to what Yahweh God has already said. Various text books, instructions manuals, and seminars have displaced the timeless wisdom of God. Life on planet earth would go so much better if every living person would simple "pay attention" and apply God's wise principles to life. And, while God's principles for life are often broad and require wisdom in applying them to specific life situations, they are tested and true.
It really is as simple as the angel said: "pay attention to all that I said." Rather than looking for new answers in new places, let's revisit the timeless ones that have never failed. May His ancient words be your light and guide this day.
Steve
© 2011, Steve Taylor
Many people know of the legendary feats of the famous strong man, Samson. His amazing life is details in the book of Judges. But, the circumstances of his birth, and details concerning his amazing parents are found in Judges 13. There we are told that an angel of the Lord appeared to a childless couple, to announce the birth of a son. This angelic messenger gave specific pre-natal care instructions to his mother (Judges 13:2-5). This woman's husband, rather than being skeptical at the story of the angelic birth announcement, instead earnestly sought wisdom in raising the boy: "Then Manoah entreated the LORD and said, 'O Lord, please let the man of God whom You have sent come to us again that he may teach us what to do for the boy who is to be born.'" (Judges 13:8).
God answered Manoah's prayer and re-sent His messenger. He had opportunity to ask for clarification regarding his role as a parent: "Now when your words come to pass, what shall be the boy's mode of life and his vocation?" (Judges 13:12). The angel's answer was quite simple: he reiterated his previous instruction - "Let the woman pay attention to all that I said." (Judges 13:13).
Contained in this simple statement is the greatest principle of parenting - and living - ever declared: "pay attention to all that I said." It really is as simple as that: do as God has said. His word, the Bible, contains His detailed instructions for living life on every level - as a parent, husband or wife, single person, child, teen, elderly person, employer, or employee. There is no level of living not covered by God and His word. The biggest problem? Paying careful attention to what Yahweh God has already said. Various text books, instructions manuals, and seminars have displaced the timeless wisdom of God. Life on planet earth would go so much better if every living person would simple "pay attention" and apply God's wise principles to life. And, while God's principles for life are often broad and require wisdom in applying them to specific life situations, they are tested and true.
It really is as simple as the angel said: "pay attention to all that I said." Rather than looking for new answers in new places, let's revisit the timeless ones that have never failed. May His ancient words be your light and guide this day.
Steve
© 2011, Steve Taylor
posted by steve @ 8:37 AM
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