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Pastor Beal

I LOVE YOU DAD!

"...Behold, thy father is sick: and he took
with him his two sons,..." Gen. 48:1

(Editor's note: This article was written in June, 2001.)

Here in Gen. 48, we find one of the homey passages of the Word of God. Joseph's dad is on his death bed, and he is taking his two sons to see Grandpa. Grandpa was told that Joseph and his two grandsons were coming to see him, and a touching thing happened. In vs. 2 of Gen. 48, it says, that Jacob, "...strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed." I was so moved by this as it was this time one year ago that I was sharing the privilege of watching over my dear Dad through the night. One of the blessings of having six children was experienced as we loved and cared for our faithful and God-fearing father. I saw during those last months the power of visits by loved ones. Like the passage of Jacob, my Dad would also draw upon all the strength he could muster up to share the time he had left with his family, whom he loved so much. It was so precious to see how the 24 hour care was so motivating to him. He would say, "Now who's coming tomorrow?" He looked forward to spending another night with his family. He would wake up at night and just want to talk and was always wanting to wake up Mom, and to spend more time with her. This is my first Father's Day that I won't get to go see or call my Dad. I encourage you today to "redeem the time", because the days are short. As we love and care for our Fathers, it will be the greatest lesson we can give our children on how they should love us. Prov. 17:6 "Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are in their fathers." Let's not forget those little acts of kindness , that are so powerful and cherished.

Thanks! Pastor Earl Beal