Farm kids live off their daddy’s harvest: the children eat what the parents plant. But as they grow, children take on more responsibilities and begin to reap their own harvest. This is a picture of our lives. God spoke to Ezekiel about one of Israel’s popular sayings:
“The fathers eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge” Ezekiel 18:2.
Kids are affected by their fathers—children reap what their parents sow.
God says not so fast:
“You will no longer use this proverb in Israel. Every life belongs to me…. The one who sins is the one who will die” 18:3-4.
“Suppose a man is just and right. He does not raise his eyes to the idols…. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife… He doesn’t oppress anyone… He does not commit robbery…. He follows My statutes, acting faithfully.
“Such a person is righteous; he will certainly live.
“Now, suppose he has a violent son, who sheds blood and does things his father did not do…. [idolatry, adultery, robbery.] Will he live? He will NOT live!
“Since he has committed detestable acts, he will die….
“Suppose that man has a son who sees the sins his father committed, and does not do likewise. [No idols, adultery, or robbery….] He obeys My law.
“Such a person will NOT die for his father’s iniquity. He will live.
“The one who sins is the one who will die… The righteousness of the righteous person will be on him and the wickedness of the wicked person will be on him” Ezekiel 18:5-20.
YOU HAVE A CHOICE. Though the generations before you will influence you, you can choose to do better. No matter how amazing they were, you can be more so! Or, you can turn your back on a Godly legacy and ruin your life. It is up to you.
“Throw off all the transgressions you have committed, and get yourselves a NEW HEART and a NEW SPIRIT. Why should you die, House of Israel?… Repent and live!” 18:31-32.
YOU HAVE A CHOICE. SOW GOOD SEEDS—AND BE PATIENT; THE HARVEST COMES LATER.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 