Prayer Journal
Sunday, September 3, 2000
"He served and worshiped Baal and provoked the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger, just as his father had done." 1 Kings22:53
What kind of example is your earthly father? Many would respond saying, their father is a man of virtue - one they consider to be a fine example to follow. Others will say their fathers abandoned and/or abused them, and had little to no virtue. Not only would a man like that be one to fear but they certainly don't inspire their children to be like them.
The fact is, however that fathers will lead their children by example. Even after many generations of grandchildren, the attitude and habits of the father will spring up in the lives of the children. Every individual makes a conscience decision about what they will be, but it is a fact that the sin of a father will influence their children. (Cp: Ex 20:5)
On the other side of the equation is the father who leads his children in virtuous living. It would seem logical that a father's "good" life would inspire his children to goodness. Enter the prodigal. No matter how fine the father's example, some children will rebel and spend years in the "pigpen" of sin,even when they were raised in a loving home.
What to make of this? I believe that sin cycles have a life of their own but can be broken by anyone, who by God's grace, determines to trust God and allow God to live through them. The consequences of a sinful father will still have an affect, but they will not be controlled by them.
On the other hand, the person who will not trust God, but live a "natural" life will be controlled by sin. Their "birthright" is the repeat of the sin of their father and they will never even know it.
Hopeless? Without God - yes! Read the first four verses of Romans chapter 8 and you will see why this is so. The "law" of sin and death is a death trap and the only way to avoid it is to "choose" your father. Will you choose the Author of sin or will you choose the Author of love - your heavenly Father?
Just Thinkin'.. WebServant
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
