Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “What do you mean by using this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying,
‘The fathers eat the sour grapes, but the children’s teeth are set on edge’?
As I live,” declares the Lord God, “you are surely not going to use this proverb in Israel anymore. Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine. The soul who sins will die… But if a man is righteous and practices justice and righteousness,… if he walks in My statutes and My ordinances so as to deal faithfully— he is righteous and will surely live,” declares the Lord God. Ezekiel 18:1-5,9
Children will often suffer the consequences of their parents sin. But that doesn’t mean God is judging the children. They have the opportunity to enter into a personal relationship with God and receive His blessings and have the hope of eternal life. We are judged as individuals for our sin. Unfortunately, sin affects not only us, but those around us. God told Ezekiel to stop using the proverb. The proverb means that the actions of the fathers was being felt by the children. While true, God doesn’t us to think that He punishes children for their parents’ mistakes.
How godly am I in dealing with people? Do I unfairly attribute to people judgments that belong to someone else?
God, I am grateful for Your lovingkindness and faithfulness. What a joy to travel today in Alaska and see Your handiwork in creation. Stunning!
