Monday, February 09, 2009

Title: Parents In Pain / Topic: Finding Comfort

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 10; Leviticus 11; Leviticus 12; Acts 16

Scripture: Leviticus 10:1-2
1 Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command. 2 So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.

Observation: This is such a shocking story and what a tragedy for Aaron and the brothers of the two who died.

Application: But I thought that while this is sad there are even worse outcomes. And Moses' family comes to mind. He has a wife and children, some sons, I think. But at this point, we never hear anything of them. Apparently, they are completely out of Moses' life. So this strikes me as a very tragic situation. Moses has the call of God on his life, but his family is completely uninvolved. This would give me the sense of being unsupported and even abandoned. So, even though Aaron lost two sons, they died in the service of the Lord and in full participation with their father's call.

Bottom line: Just about everybody has family troubles of some kind. And if your a parent with children over 13, you typically have some struggles and heartache. And if your children are adults, there can be some deep pain and hurt. But I think that there is almost always something to be thankful for in every situation. I'm not saying it makes the pain disappear, but I think it is important to not allow the pain to consume you.

Prayer: Lord, I lift up parents in pain: those I know and those I do not. Father, I thank you for the gift of children, although there are times when this gift feels more like a curse. Help us who are parents to stay close to you so that we can always know your heart for us and our children. And help us to be good models of your love and character, so that we may assist our children in following you also.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.