S) "1 Now these were the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second was Daniel, by Abigail the Carmelitess; 2 the third was Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; the fourth was Adonijah the son of Haggith; 3 the fifth was Shephatiah, by Abital; the sixth was Ithream, by his wife Eglah. 4 Six were born to him in Hebron, and there he reigned seven years and six months. And in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years."
1 Chronicles 3:1-4 (NASB)
O) This short summarization screams volumes about king David's most common struggle. His lustful sins wrecked havoc in his relationship with God, his relationship with his immediate family, the succession to his throne, and his kingdom. Most people are aware of Solomon's hundreds of wives and concubines, but the problem really starts with his father's sexual sin.
A) Through Christ, the curse of the Law is done, according to Galatians 3:13. The law of sin and death is done, according to Romans 8:2. But there remains a mystery. Sexual sins, sexual dysfunction, still carry generational cycles. Whether it's through learned behaviors, or something more spiritual than physical; whether it's obvious or subtle, sexual pitfalls tend to have an awful way of repeating. This is why there are expressions like, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Certainly, there is a cultural battlefield to consider, but I want my son (and daughters) to have every advantage to succeed. That starts with Jesus, and doing everything I can to make sure my children learn who He is, and what it means to live a life submitted to Him as Lord. Then, I need to remember that, however it might trickle down, my sins can still have an effect on my children. God promised that He would no longer carry out punishment on the children, for the sins of the fathers (Jeremiah 31:29, Ezekiel 18:20). But, that doesn't mean that my sins have no effect on them, especially sexual sins. As if I needed any more motivation to pursue righteousness, and seek mercy in repentence.
P) Father, thank You for the mercy You have granted me, but thank You more for the mercy You have for my children. By Your will, whatever grace You have planned for them, let them receive it in full. However they can be spared from the effects of my folly, please spare them. Let me be ever conscious of how my sins, any and all of them, can and will affect their lives (and Kristin's life, for that matter). According to Your grace, let them each have personal relationships with You as Lord, submitting their lives fully to You. However I can be used to that end, let me be obedient, and graciously use me, in spite of my flawed attempts. Be glorified, Father God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment