http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%2019-21&version=NIV
Today’s reading was challenging for me when it come to blogging – wasn’t sure quite where to go. So I’m going with the one thing that was hardest for me to understand, thinking that maybe it was difficult for others also.
The part I struggled with the most was in chapter 21 where the Gibeonites are avenged. It was how they where avenged that got me - specifically when we find out that David took seven of Saul’s family members and handed them over to the Gibeonites. They subsequently killed them and exposed them on a hill before the Lord. I won’t pretend that I begin to understand the how and why of God’s justice in this instance, so I went to the commentaries. Here’s what Matthew Henry’s commentary says:
“Every affliction arises from sin, and should lead us to repent and humble ourselves before God; but some troubles especially show that they are sent to bring sin to remembrance. God's judgments often look a great way back, which requires us to do so, when we are under his rebukes. It is not for us to object against the people's smarting for the sin of their king; perhaps they helped him. Nor against this generation suffering for the sin of the last. God often visits the sins of the fathers upon the children, and he gives no account of any matters. Time does not wear out the guilt of sin; nor can we build hopes of escape upon the delay of judgments. If we cannot understand all the reasons of Providence in this matter, still we have no right to demand that God should acquaint us with those reasons. It must be right, because it is the will of God, and in the end it will be proved to be so."
My favorite part of that is the ending – when we cannot understand, we have no right to demand that God explain his reasons. Rather, we trust the will of God because he is a Holy sovereign God and his justice is perfect and holy. I challenge you today to take those things you don’t understand about what God is or is not doing in your life and lay them at the altar of a Holy Sovereign God. I challenge you to make a decision that allows you to rest in knowing God instead of knowing why.
“Righteous and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who alk in the light of your presence of Lord.” –Isaiah 61:14-15
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
The commentaries and scripture seem to be talking about generational sin or a sin that in one generation affects another generation. This is an Old Testament thing. In a New Testament age, I wonder if this applies, and if so, in what ways. Obviously, one generation can influence another generation for better or worse, and that could be affected in obvious ways or consequences by some sin. But I wonder if sins can still influence generations that follow, even if there is no obvious practical or direct influence between these generations. I guess a curse might look like this. Like when a person's life might be affected by something someone in a previous generation did that affects this person even though the earlier person had no practical influence on the later person. Seems like I've learned or read that in the New Testament age we are judged by our own sins, not those of previous generations..... I'm not speaking from specific experience, but just thinking on and rambling on these ideas.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I do believe that blessings can go on for generations in both the OT and NT age b/c of God's promises. This was clear in the Old Testament, the Hebrews made a point to bless their children, and God blessed for generations. I think its possible for blessings to run for generations in the New Testament age too, because God honor's His people and believers.
ReplyDelete