The dark side of succession (Part 3)
We have seen how Joab, King David’s general, brought David’s “handsome” son, Absalom, back to Jerusalem. But, because of earlier family conflicts, David refused to see Absalom. Two years pass, and...
Faith & Family Business
The dark side of succession (Part 4)
April 28, 2023
My last reflection focused on how King David’s son, Absalom, got the attention of his father by burning a field of crops owned by Joab, David’s key general. Now back in his father’s good graces,...
Succession Lessons from David and Absalom
April 28, 2023
The last few weeks I’ve reflected on the “dark side” of succession. I wrote about the way in which David brought his son, Absalom, home to Jerusalem; the image of Absalom, including his attempts to...
Caring for those who care for you
April 28, 2023
My last reflection summarized the saga between David and Absalom in which Absalom tried to take his father’s position as king. In the final battle between David and Absalom’s armies, David’s key...
A Thanksgiving Prayer for the Family Business
April 28, 2023
I’m taking a break this week from our study of David and his family, and sending you an updated version of a prayer I wrote several years ago for those working in family businesses. May God’s...
Who helps you stay the course?
April 28, 2023
Our last few weeks focused on how Absalom, King David’s son, tried to force succession by dethroning David. Now, Absalom’s younger brother Adonijah, wants to become king. King David is very old and...
How will you instruct the next generation?
April 28, 2023
My last reflection focused on how King David, now very old and feeble, came to name his son Solomon as the successor to the throne. David’s final words before his passing include the following...
Staying faithful in distress
April 28, 2023
As we wrap up our year-long study of David and his family, I’d like to end with reflections on a few Psalms, the ancient Hebrew hymns reflecting several episodes in David’s life. (That there are...
A blessing for grandparents in the family business
April 23, 2023
My grandparents, on both sides of my family, had a significant influence on my life. One set of grandparents fostered my interest in agriculture, and, through our family’s struggles and challenges,...
A blessing for your estate planning efforts
March 26, 2023
Estate planning involving a family-owned business is a difficult endeavor. You are contemplating the future of the business you built, which is a big part of your legacy. You are thinking about your...