Sins of the fathers visited upon the children .. but .. showing mercy .. to those who love and obey (Exodus 20:5,6 part 4)

I hear many say, who make no profession to love and obey God, “But I don’t hate God!” Actually, my observation is that many who say they don’t even believe in God hate Him!. But here, as we have been saying, the word picture is of the spousal relationship, and the words used are not about feelings, but actions. So in effect, if one spouse ignores and refuses to be in relationship with the other, the actions are indistinguishable from hate, the very opposite of love. So it is in our relationship (or lack thereof) with God.

The word “but” is important here. “But” changes everything. I bought a winning lottery ticket, but I lost it! Here, the sins of the fathers are visited upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Him, but steadfast love and mercy to thousands who (a) love Him come and (b) obey Him (Exodus 20:5,6). So if you want your children and your children’s children, and your children’s children’s children to not fall into the traps you yourself fell into, then turning to Him, choosing to love and obey Him is the way to go!

I am currently involved in ministry in the woman’s prison in Clarenville. Many of the women interred there are separated from their children, and the pain of it is palpable. As we talk about the choices we make in life and their consequences, many of the ladies are having moments of clarity. This is akin to the prodigal son coming into his right mind (Luke 15:17). The point is, that most of us when our kids are ill, would gladly take their place if it were possible. What I’m saying, is that when we are in our right mind, we are highly motivated to do the right thing for our children. The Lord knowing this, has formed reality accordingly. He knows that when we start to see the consequences on our children of not dealing with our baggage, most of us will become highly motivated to change. But we do have to see, we do have to become willing to see!

Father, how well You know us! You know that if we are not willing to change for our own sake, we are more likely to be willing to change our children’s sake. But dealing with our baggage is so difficult many of us are still in denial about it. It’s difficult Lord, because if we come out of denial, then we will actually have to deal with what needs to be dealt with. It's hard Lord and it is painful! We need your help, I need your help. Open our eyes this morning Lord, continue to open mine. Thank You Lord that this is a prayer You delight to answer in Jesus Name Amen