Today you should read: 2 Kings 14
Amaziah began well, but did not finish as he began. Sadly, that happens often. However I do want to focus on something he began well with and that’s what’s mentioned in 2 Kings 14:6.
But he did not put to death the children of the murderers, according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, where the LORD commanded, “Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers. But each one shall die for his own sin.” 2 Kings 14:6
This passage stuck out more than all other passages as one with a heavy burden & compassion for kids who suffer the consequences of their parents’ sins. I do believe in generational sin and I’ve seen how parents’ sin effects the same people they’re supposed to provide for, protect, guide and love. It sadly happens often. And as one who is haunted by it in movies like The Florida Project and prays about it when encountering it in ministry situations, I loved seeing the grace and mercy shown in this verse—how the children were spared in spite of their parents sin.
It reminds me of the many conversations I’ve had with past youth leaders about how much a teenagers’ behavior was in result of a sinful upbringing or the blind sins some children exemplified because it was all they grew up seeing from their parents. I hate those consequences. It’s what made the Gospel so beautiful in those situations. Kids learning of a Perfect, Heavenly Father that could give them a new start and beginning where their own kids didn’t need to suffer such consequences. That those consequences were paid for and forgiven in the cross and that we’re held accountable for our own sins through that cross. But in a messy, fallen world, those generational sins still stick like our original sin from Adam. And 2 Kings 14:6 is a simple reminder that someone died for all those sins to be taken away.
What else stuck out to you in this chapter?
By: Erik Koliser — West Campus Pastor
JumpstartCPC.com 