Title: Sins of the Fathers/Topic: Generational Sin

Today’s Reading: Genesis 25; Genesis 26; Psalm 6; Luke 10

Scripture: Genesis 26:7-9
7 When the men of that place asked him about his wife, he said, "She is my sister," because he was afraid to say, "She is my wife." He thought, "The men of this place might kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is beautiful."
8 When Isaac had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked down from a window and saw Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah. 9 So Abimelech summoned Isaac and said, "She is really your wife! Why did you say, 'She is my sister'?" Isaac answered him, "Because I thought I might lose my life on account of her."

Observation/ Application: It is interesting to me that Isaac does exactly what his father did when it came to his wife and the men around him. Out of fear of them, he asks his wife to join him in lying about their relationship. He considers his own safety more than his wife's well-being and he certainly doesn't trust the Lord in this situation even though he has in others. Isaac was deceptive with his father and brother before now as well. What was a sinful trait in his father has become more pronounced in Isaac's life. I think it points out the importance of dealing with our own sin nature so that those weaknesses don't get magnified in our children's lives. They need to have the example of seeing us struggle with and overcome sin through repentance and dependence on Jesus. That procss is one of the most important that we can pass on to our children.

Prayer: Father, since Adam we are all born with a sin nature with which we struggle. I know I can't keep my children from that. But I do want to be an example to them of humility, repentance and dependence on your Spirit for empowerment to overcome all the weaknesses of the flesh. I thank you for your forbearance with us and your very great forgiveness and power to be overcomers. Help me to be a light to my children and all others who know me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.