Feeling Inadequate
We parents are keenly aware of dangers ahead for our children. The world is not getting ‘better’. Who should be their heroes? Who can offer them a better future? Who holds the answers they need?
We parents don't have all the answers – so who can lead them best?
The Old Testament offers a cautionary tale:
God’s People were unique. Unlike surrounding people groups they had no king. Instead, God Himself led them, and priests mediated between God and the people.
But Armies were gathering. Enemy tribes – violently opposed to the tribal families of God’s People. And those enemies had kings who had reputations!
The situation looked hopeless. But the people had an idea: they could crown someone – they could have a celebrity king, too!
God granted their request – with this caveat:
“Your king will own you. Your sons and daughters will become tools in his kingdom. He will take your fields, vineyards, and olive orchards and give them to his servants. He will take your servants, your best young men, and your livestock. Even you yourselves.”
“No!” The people said. “We need a king over us! Then we will be like other nations: our king will judge us, go out before us, and fight our battles.”
– 1 Samuel 8:10-18 [paraphrased]
Their high priest, Samuel, knew it was wrong.
But the LORD told [Samuel], “Listen to the people and everything they say to you. They have not rejected you; they have rejected Me as their king.”
– 1 Samuel 8:6-9
The first point is this: God made us parent-priests – mediators between him and our family. Often we feel inadequate for the task. So we push our children into the arms of those "more learned" than us. We “outsource” their discipleship.
All we’ve bought by doing so is a sense of security.
What children most need is a parent who is willing to walk with them in weakness. Because the parent who can admit they don’t have answers will seek God for their children and with their children. This has always been God’s plan for His People.
The high priest, Samuel, mourned the decision of the people. But here is a second point: The people's doubt in God's provision of leadership – and in God's faithfulness – seems rooted in Samuel's own lack of discipling his children:
the elders of Israel gathered […] They said to [Samuel], “Look, you are old, and your sons do not follow your example. Therefore, appoint a king […]”
– 1 Samuel 8:4&5
Seek outside wisdom. But never abdicate your role as parent-priest.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”
– 2 Corinthians 12:9