Read Ezekiel Chapter 18
Who Will Suffer?
Israel often quoted a proverb saying, and I paraphrase, “Children will be punished for their parents’ sins.” God said, you may no longer quote that proverb for it is not a true statement. God says if a parent sins, only they will face God’s punishment. The children may suffer consequences because of their sin, but they will not be held responsible for their parents mistakes.
God also said the opposite is true: if a child sins and not the parent, the child will face God’s punishment but not the parent.
God added a message of Hope stating that if a parent of a child recognizes their sin and repent of their sin, all their sins will be forgiven and remembered no more. They may still experience consequences of their sins, but they have hope for their future. This is true also for the child who repents.
Lord, forgive us of our sins and help us repent of any sin that we struggle with. Lord, also help us deal with the consequences of our sins. Give us hope within our darkness. Thank you, Lord!!
