God Has No Grandchildren
Today we moved a step closer to the completion of some of our basement build out with duct and carpet cleaning. It is nice to see the project wrapped up. Now we are ready for all the grand kids to come visit (almost). Yesterday, we enjoyed a nice meal and fellowship at the home of Glen and Joan Schlueter. The live on Horseshoe Lake in Loveland. We connected with regular Saturday night attenders from Timberline. Our current sermon series is entitled, “At the Table.” This hospitable couple put into practice the concept of connection and friendship over a meal.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?” This is the declaration of the Lord God. “Instead, don’t I take pleasure when he turns from his ways and lives?…. Throw off all the transgressions you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die…For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death.” This is the declaration of the Lord God. “So repent and live!” Ezekiel 18:23,31-32 HCSB
It is observed that, “God has no grandchildren, only sons and daughters.” In other words, the faith of your parents will not save you and the sins of your parents will not condemn you.
I recall over 30 years ago visiting with a man who was near death. He realized that he had not lived right before the Lord, but he hesitated to turn to the Lord in his final days. His biggest “hang up” was that he felt that he, by his actions and lifestyle, had condemned the spiritual destiny of his children.
I endeavored to reassure him from both the Old Testament and the New that each of us stands accountable before the Lord for our own actions. I am confident that he received the message and invite the Lord into his life before his final breath.
As Ezekiel writes to God’s people in rebellion, I am sure that he is bringing some clarity to the statement, “…he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” (Numbers 14:18 NIV) I believe the gentlemen I was visiting with had enough Bible knowledge to be aware of this scripture, but not enough to keep it from being a stumbling block.
Now the Lord declares, “A son won’t suffer punishment for the father’s iniquity, and a father won’t suffer punishment for the son’s iniquity.The righteousness of the righteous person will be on him, and the wickedness of the wicked person will be on him.“ (Ezekiel 18:20 HCSB)
The prophet goes through the various scenarios of a righteous father and a wicked son. A wicked father and a righteous son. A righteous person who turns from the Lord. A wicked person turns to the Lord. In each situation the underlying concept is personal responsibility for our lives and our decision about the Lord.
In the New Testament we see God’s heart when we read, “…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.“ (2 Peter 3:9 NIV) We recall the “last minute” plea of the thief on the cross who asked for Jesus forgiveness and the Lord’s assurance, “today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43 NIV)
The Lord does not send, “anyone to hell.” His desire, His delight is for people to turn to Him and live. People choose their destiny through their own denial and failure to embrace what is freely offered by Christ. I like the straightforward declaration of the Apostle John, “…He who has the Son has life.” (1 John 5:12 ESV)
Prayer for today…Â “Lord, thank You for Your patience and love that desires everyone to come to You and experience Your life. Help me to continually embrace Your ways, trusting in You alone for my eternal destiny. Empower me to share Your heart and invitation with others.”