When people read the fact that the sins of the fathers
are passed down to the third and fourth generation, they rail against God for
what they view as His unfair practice to force someone to pay for their
ancestor’s mistakes (Exodus 20:5).
In reality, this verse is telling us that our sins
naturally affect people for generations to come. For instance, war is a
decision made by a president, or dictator; yet, this sin affects countless
generations, which reap the devastation of this heinous crime.
When a man abandons his wife, it also negatively affects
his children, grandchildren and many future generations (Malachi 2:13-14).
Divorce even affects parents, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, siblings
and friends.
Murder, theft, sexual abuse, and all the sins we humans
commit have far reaching affects for future generations. Sin rips the heart
right out of all of these victims through no fault of their own.
The consequences of the sin we commit affect generations
to come (Jeremiah 32:18). However, God also put into play similar generational
affects to bless those who love and obey Him.
God blesses thousands of generations of descendants, for
no other reason than as a result of our relationship with Him (Exodus 20:6;
Deuteronomy 5:10, 7:9). I don’t know about you, but I want my successors to
enjoy God’s blessings, not the consequences of my sins.
Prayer:
Father God, we so enjoy the blessings You bestow on us
each day. Even when life throws trials and tribulation at us, as a good Father,
You walk through them with us, helping us and encouraging us through the
difficult times. You make Your presence even more real to us when we take the
time to sit at Your feet (Luke 10:42). Remind us that You have a perfect plan
for our life, and help us to obey Your Spirit’s direction through every moment
of it (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 5:16-25).
Thought for the Day:
Through all generations, the Lord shares His love and
righteousness with those who fear Him.
– Psalm 103:17
