| Exodus 34:1-35:9; Matthew 27:15-31; Psalm 33:12-22; Proverbs 9:1-6
“The Lord came down in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed His name Yahweh. Then the Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed: Yahweh – Yahweh is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving wrongdoing, rebellion, and sin. But He will not leave the guilty unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ wrongdoing on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation.
Moses immediately bowed down to the ground and worshiped. Then he said, ‘My Lord, if I have indeed found favor in Your sight, my Lord, please go with us. Even though this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wrongdoing and sin, and accept us as Your own possession.'” (Exodus 34:5-9)
God doesn’t exactly continue to pass down punishment to people for things they didn’t do. In Deuteronomy 24:16 the Word reads, “The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.” Everyone is responsible for their own actions, however, our actions have consequences. For instance, if you are an abuser, chances are that your children will probably be abusers or recipients of abuse by the sheer fact that they have seen it all their lives. By our example we teach them how to live. You can use that with anything: shopaholic, sexual promiscuity, alcoholism, etc. This will typically pass down to your grandchildren and their children, unless someone decides to break the cycle.
God’s heart is to forgive us and guide us into a new life. He doesn’t want to see our dysfunctional behavior repeated by our children. Look at your life. Take inventory of where you are today and ask yourself what needs to be surrendered to God. Even if your children are grown, it’s never too late to break the pattern. Let God change and challenge you. Be the example that those around you need. Repent to and love those whom you have influenced badly. Help them break the cycle in their own lives. Remember God loves you and He is for you.
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for things I have allowed in my life that are contrary to Your character. I’m sorry for offending You and for hurting those around me. I plead the blood of Jesus over me and my family and ask that You would deliver us from those things that harm us and build walls between us and You. I’m asking for a fresh start. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen. |
