Despite his sons’ flaws and failures, Jacob still cared deeply for them, as seen in his concern for their well-being. His worries weren’t unfounded, especially after the violent events in Shechem, where his sons committed a grievous act of vengeance.
Fearing for their safety, Jacob sends Joseph to check on them once again. What begins as a simple errand sets the stage for a whole new life for Joseph. From this time on, God would shape him and prepare him for a greater purpose.
The stars, sun and moon bowing down to one star wasn’t about to come without a sacrifice or preparedness.
Parents
As parents, it’s easy to feel discouraged or even give up on a child who seems to constantly attract trouble. But as godly parents whose prayers God hears, we must remember that God has a unique plan for every child. No matter how challenging their path may seem, they can still become so much more than we imagine.
Jacob’s example reminds us of this truth. Despite his children’s flaws and failures, he cared deeply for them and their safety. In the end, these same 11 children mattered so much to God that He built an entire nation through them.
So, I want to encourage you—keep believing in the potential of every child you’ve been blessed with, even when they’re not making you proud. Keep praying for them.
Take courage in this: Hope does not put us to shame.
Remember, Galatians 6:9 says Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Verses 15-20 Eyes that Watch and Ears that Listen
This incident occurred shortly after Joseph shared his dreams with his brothers. Already resentful of him, they definitely had no intention of bowing to him as his dreams implied.
When they saw him approaching, they became even more irritated. “Let’s kill him and see what becomes of his dreams,” they thought.
Having heard the stories of Jacob and Esau, these men understood the weight of divine preference. Perhaps Jacob’s own favoritism stemmed from his mother, who not only favored him over Esau but schemed to secure the firstborn’s blessing for him.
Parents
As parents, it’s important to remember that your actions create a ripple effect, impacting not only your children but also future generations. One truth I’ve come to accept about raising children is this: they learn far more from your actions than from your words.
Children observe and study you more closely than you realize. For example, Jacob may have picked up the habit of showing favoritism from watching his mother openly prefer him over his brother.
If you want your children to grow in kindness, patience, forgiveness, and other virtues, they are most likely to learn these by seeing you practice them in your daily interactions.
Many times, the four eyes of my children that follow me around keep me constantly aware of my actions, both what I do and what I avoid doing. At times, it feels like they’re practically stalking me.
There are moments, especially while I’m driving, when I’m tempted to yell at someone who suddenly cuts me off. But then I remember those four eyes, staring at me like hawks, and I think twice.
During a couples’ retreat in 2021, we had the privilege of hosting Dr. Kolade, a respected mentor and father figure. He and his wife have raised four remarkable children—three boys and a girl—each well-behaved and on the path to greatness. It’s clear they got something right.
When we asked him how they achieved this, his response was simple yet profound: “I simply live my life out.” Those words have stayed with me ever since.
By living your life in the fear of God, obeying His precepts, and following His leading, you naturally influence your children in ways that leave a lasting impact.
Scriptures to Study
Genesis 37, Revelation 2
