Abraham (Genesis 16): Abraham was faithful to God, willing to follow and obey Him even in the most extreme circumstances. Yet his story reminds us of the importance of waiting on God’s timing. When Abraham was promised by God that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars, he took matters into his own hands instead of trusting in God’s plan.
Jacob (Genesis 37): Jacob had 12 sons, yet showed favouritism to Joseph, resulting in the jealousy and hatred of his brothers and leading them to sell him into slavery. While God used Joseph in Egypt in incredible ways, the preference Jacob had for Joseph over his brothers caused immense pain.
Mordecai (Esther 2-3): Mordecai was Hadassah’s (Queen Esther) cousin and father figure in her life. He raised her as his own when she lost her parents and did his best to protect her when she was taken to the king’s palace. He demonstrates his good character and faithfulness to God in his refusal to bow to Haman and through efforts to save his people, putting God above all else.
Jephthah and His Daughter (Judges 11): This uncomfortable story, where Jephthah’s rash vow bound him to sacrificing his own daughter, is a reminder of the danger in impulsive promises and actions, as they can have severe consequences for others.
Manoah and Samson (Judges 13): An angel of God appeared first to Samson’s mother to tell her she would bear a son who would be dedicated to God and deliver the Israelites from the Philistines. When she told her husband, Manoah, he responded without question, and after another visit from the angel they raised their son in accordance with God’s will.
Saul and Jonathon (1 Samuel 18-20): Saul, the first king of Israel, wanted his son Jonathon on the throne and saw David as a threat to his line. He was insecure and fearful, ultimately hurting those around him as he turned away from God.
Zechariah (Luke 1): Zechariah was a priest, yet he doubted the angel who came with the news that his wife would bear a son. Despite his doubt and resulting muteness during his wife’s pregnancy, he followed God’s direction for the naming of his son, John, and once he could speak, prophesied about his son’s mission.
Joseph, father of Jesus (Matthew 1): Joseph was willing to marry Mary despite the public disgrace of her pregnancy and raised Jesus as his own, training Him in his trade. He showed a willingness to trust God despite hardship and uncertainty.
Paul (2 Timothy 1): Paul called Timothy his true son in the faith, and was a spiritual mentor for him, encouraging him to be a leader in the church and to “be strong in the grace that is in Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:1)
The Prodigal Son’s father (Luke 15): The father in the parable of the Prodigal Son allowed his son to leave but waited every day for him to return, running to meet him with open arms when he finally did. He is one of the best representations of fatherhood in the Bible—a representation of God, a Father who shows unconditional love and forgiveness to His children.
