Giving good advice is a God-given responsibility of fathers (and mothers). God has charged parents to raise, guide, and lead their children into adulthood (Proverbs 22:6). Thankfully, we have several written examples of parents giving perfect advice to their children throughout God’s word.
In Genesis 22, Abraham and Isaac are traveling toward a place of sacrifice when Isaac asks, “Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” (Genesis 22:6). From the context, we can see that Isaac is concerned because they are preparing to worship God but have forgotten their offering. Little did Isaac know, he was the offering. God had commanded Abraham to offer his son as a burnt offering sacrifice.
Abraham responded perfectly in this tense, stressful, and heart-wrenching moment. He said, “God will provide…” (Genesis 22:8). Even when he could have revealed so many frustrations, Abraham said exactly what Isaac needed to hear. In essence, he told his son, “focus on God,” “trust in God,” and “God surely has a plan.”
Fathers today do not always give perfect advice, but the perspective and words of Abraham should be a constant guide and reminder. All of us need to hear, and some need to be ready to give Abraham’s perfect advice to his son.
Matt Langfield