THE ESSENCE OF A PATRIARCH

 
 

HIS DECISION TO SPEAK WITH POWER
 
 

A patriarch does not have a perfect life nor is he super spiritual, but rather he shares with others what he has learned from his struggles and failures. His years of experience and wisdom offer much to those who will follow him.

Jacob was a man whose life was characterized by cheating, lying and looking after himself. But he came to a point where he had an encounter with God that changed his life. When Jacob was old and about to die, Gen. 49: 1-33, he gathered his sons around him, leaning on his staff he blessed them and told them what would happen to them in the days to come. Jacob spoke - he did not keep silent.

  

 
 
  • The patriarch not only speaks before he dies, but his whole life is characterized by it.
     
  • The patriarch cannot be consumed with himself and his toys - isolating himself from others and remaining silent to his extended family.
     
  • The problem in our society today is that the older men feel as though they have very little, if anything, to offer. The result is that we are not accustomed to listening to the older men. We often turn to younger men to give us fresh new ideas. By not listening to the patriarch, we lose the opportunity to learn from the past and are thereby destined to repeat the same mistakes.
 
 

Some Thoughts to Consider:

 
 
  • What might be some ways that you as a man keep silent toward your wife or children?
     
  • Are there failures or inconsistencies in your life that would cause you to not speak with power and strength to your family?
     
  • When you do speak to your family, is there a tone of anger in your voice?
     
  • Is there anything in your life that hinders you from speaking, such as keeping busy with work, watching TV, sports, church or other activities?
 
     
     
     
 
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