At first glance, this may seem I’m ending the week’s devotions on a sour note. But really it’s further proof that God is just. Does a loving father ignore his child’s misbehavior, or does he correct his child? Children who don’t receive correction grow up to be out of control, self-centered, undisciplined adults. That’s not pretty. God the Father loves us enough to want better for us than self-centered, undisciplined lives. Sadly, just like the children of Israel went through generations of wandering away from God, we sometimes do the same, with generations choosing rebellion rather than obedience. Then the children follow the parents’ examples and live in disobedient rebellion, too. That’s the father’s iniquity spilling over on the children. If generations continue to perpetrate sinful behavior, they can expect God’s judgment. But if they repent—if they turn from their wicked ways and follow the Lord—He is compassionate and forgiving; He restores the broken relationships; He draws us into fellowship again. People’s opinions change. Societal norms shift. But God never changes. That is why He is our only source of security. He deserves our obedience and our reverence.
