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by Kevin Pauley
He also said: "A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.' So he distributed the assets to them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living. - Luke 15:11-13 HCSB
Given the wisdom and compassion that the righteous father demonstrated in the story of the prodigal son, (and given the fact that he represents Adonai), I’m certain the father had many discussions with the prodigal before distributing his assets to his rebellious son.
Through the prophet Samuel, Adonai warned the people of Israel of the consequences of rejecting God as their king. Just think of the Devil when you read of the king through that passage[1] and consider the parallels. When we choose Lucifer’s way, he reigns over us. He takes our children and gets them to serve him. He will take the best of our goods. Consider how much suffering addicts cause themselves as they pour their income into their veins, down their throats or onto the poker table. Consider the money wasted by those who worship the false god Entertainment or the idol of Materialism. When he is done with us, we will cry out because of the king we have chosen for ourselves, but the Lord may not answer us in that day.[2]
Like Samuel, speak to your children. Warn them severely of the consequences of their decisions. Try your best to wave them off from self-destruction. However, if they stubbornly refuse to listen, listen to Hashem’s advice to Samuel and let them go their way.[3]
As to whether or not you should participate in weddings of children choosing wrong mates, note that Samuel participated in the ceremonies and rituals associated with the kingship.[4] There is only one issue that I have found for which we are to separate ourselves from our family – that is over Christ. If they are asking you, through whatever activity, to reject the Lord, then the Lord must come first.[5]
This does not mean that you have to give your blessing or render aid to a given activity like a marriage. You can attend in order to show your love for the wayward child, but do not help any activity that would be bad for that child or their relationship with God. Make it clear that it is their sin and not themselves that you reject.
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
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