Exodus 20 tells the story of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments. There is an interesting passage in Exodus 20:4-6 the Second Commandment, “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.”

What I think is interesting is that God telling Moses, and the Israelites, and ultimately us, that our parent’s and grandparent’s actions can affect us, and our actions will affect our children, grand children, and beyond. This can either be a positive effect, or a negative effect.

This cycle, however, can be broken by being one who loves God and follows his direction. For those of us whose parents have set us on a solid Christian foundation, we have much for which to be thankful, others have the opportunity to be the one who establishes a foundation for those that follow.

Dear Lord Thank you for affirming our knowledge that your love is on those who love you and follow your direction. Help us remember that our actions can bring your love on those we love as well. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.