“The apple doesn’t fall far from the apple tree.” Have you ever heard that saying before? Or perhaps it was something similar regarding how someone was a ‘chip off the old block’?

Both phrases refer to someone who closely resembles their parent in character, behavior, or appearance. It highlights the idea that children inherit traits from their parents, whether they be physical features, personality traits, or talents, etc.

The Bible leads us to understand that other ‘traits’ can be inherited as well, as in the ‘not so good ones’...like sin and death. (Romans 5:12)

But I want to direct our attention to what is revealed in the 2nd commandment, which is first made known in Exodus 20:4, and then later in Deut. 5:9. It’s the commandment that warns God’s people to not engage with creating or carving out images or likenesses of anything that might take God’s place of rightful worship, which was the first commandment.

We could obviously spend more time examining just what that might entail, but I feel like we need to focus more on looking at the added clause, or warning that comes on the heels of that command. It’s the part where God declares loud and clear that He is a ‘jealous God’....who wants it known that He ‘visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Him”.

Two things come to mind immediately for me when I read that, the first thought having to do with ‘hating God’. Who in their right mind would be so bold to express such a sentiment, especially among those who claim to know Him and love Him? Well...how did Jesus identify those who truly loved Him, in John 14:15? (I’ll wait for you while you go look that up). Now look at Titus 1:16.

But it’s the second detail that kind of slaps you in the face where God admits that He is known to ‘visit the inequity/sins of the fathers...upon the 3rd and 4th generations. Other translations replace that word ‘visiting’ by clarifying that God does indeed ‘punishes’ or ‘brings consequences upon’...the children for their parent’s sins, passing down multiple generations.

Now please resist the temptation to throw your arms up in despair and walk away from this lesson, because I know I’ve done this in the past when first hearing the term ‘generational curses’, or any other topic for that matter that I had little understanding in; especially when it conflicted with certain ‘truths’ or doctrines that I thought to be true at the time and held onto firmly.

And may I also remind you that we are reading a very explicit warning found in a ‘document’ that many sincere, professing believers would like to see on display in all of our public school classrooms and other governmental buildings. May I ask- what would be the point of displaying the 10 Commandments if we are going to be quick to dismiss or refute what it says?

I will admit to you here and now that I am wading ‘delicately’ into this subject matter that deals with what many have come to know as ‘generational curses’, or ‘unfortunate ills’ that have been passed down through family lines. My caution in moving slowly into this is more so due to my own ignorance in this area, but I feel like the Holy Spirit has brought me to a place where I can begin...to learn a few more things and in turn share with you; and trust me...I still have much to learn.

One of the first things that I believe was brought to my attention... is this warning does not just apply to the 2nd commandment which addresses the making of graven images and bowing down to false idols; on the contrary...it applies for all the 10 commandments as listed here. Also, for anyone who might have forgotten...’sin’ is defined as ‘breaking the commandments of God, i.e. lawlessness (1 John 3:4). And what did Jesus tell that one man he could expect if he continued to live a life of sin, in John 5:14?

You know, the ‘fear of God’ is not a bad thing to possess and be acquainted with, just saying. (Prov. 1:7,29; 9:10)

Now I know some of you are probably wondering what kind of a ‘loving God’ would be so ‘unfair’ to punish you ...for something your great-grandfather might have done 100+ years ago? I mean really...in what universe does that even make sense; and I only say that because that was my usual ‘go-to-default setting’ - to dismiss even studying this out further. But it’s a new day and I’m in a new season of life as I have come to learn what it really means to abide in Jesus. And I just want to see people helped because as we all know, God’s people are (and continue to be)... ‘destroyed...for a lack of knowledge’ (Hosea 4:6).

Before you start accusing God of ‘having it in for innocent children’, let me remind you that God was adamant in letting His people know early on...IF YOU WANT THINGS TO GO WELL FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN....DO WHAT I SAY. (Deut. 4:40, 5:29; 12:25,28). God has wanted nothing more than to reveal His goodness and bountiful blessings to those who are willing to surrender their hearts and will to Him...so that He could lead us into a place where He could bless us beyond our wildest dreams. (Eph. 3:20)

God led His people out of bondage and slavery where He could then take them to a place of abundant living (Deut. 7:12-15; 28:1-14)...and guess what? Jesus came to do the same thing with us (John 10:10). But just like the Israelites, we too had to first be set free from the bondage and slavery...of ‘sin’ (Luke 4:18; John 8:32-36).

My thinking here is that God was basically telling His people...”Hey...if you don’t want to do this for yourself....at least do it for your kids and grandkids”. What ‘normal’ parent doesn’t want their kids to have a better life than they themselves had? Right??? In other words, He’s warning them up front...If you don’t get this right...it will have lasting effects that your kids will suffer through; and you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand the implications here. Bad choices can have lasting consequences; and God wants to stop the cycle; but we have to cooperate with Him. And as harsh and brutal as this may sound, would you take a moment and look at the last part of that verse I share with you regularly in Hosea 4:6? It goes on to say: “Because you have forgotten the law of your God...I also will forget your children.”

Let me wrap up here for today with this thought to ponder. While there are some benefits in coming to understand how you ‘got here’, or why you have struggled for years, even suffering needlessly in any number of areas...finances, mental/emotional/physical health, etc...the main focus should be on: “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5:6)

There are reasons as to how and why you ended up in the place you are currently in, but the good news is...there is a remedy to turn things around...if ...you are willing to hear and consider what is being shared (Acts 17:11). But I will also add that it must be the work of the Holy Spirit who confirms these things to your heart first; and if you are sincere and ready to receive truth...you can find and receive lasting freedom. That ...I can promise you. Join me tomorrow?