stephen R Harrison

The sins of one generation can affect those of the next generation. How detrimental are sins like drunkenness, anger, and abuse of parents on their children? They can have long lasting negative effects and sometimes cause children to follow in their parents wicked footsteps. As Lamentations 5:7 says, “Our ancestors sinned and are no more, and we bear their punishment.” In Psalm 79, Asaph pleaded with God concerning the repetitive sins of God’s people that brought devastating consequences to everyone. Not only were the ones who did evil taken away into captivity and their city destroyed, their children were also imprisoned and lost everything. Asaph prayed, “Do not hold against us the sins of past generations. May Your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need.” We must know that our sins bring consequences that we and those around us must bear.

Asaph’s hope was to plead with God for intervention. In verse one he pointed out those who had “defiled the holy temple” and “reduced Jerusalem to rubble” had done so against the Lord Himself. Although it was the people he loved, the city in which he lived, and the temple where he worshipped, Asaph used the word “Your” to show how they were also God’s enemies. He told God these wicked people had invaded Your inheritance, defiled Your holy temple, left dead the bodies of Your servants, harmed the flesh of Your own people (vv. 1-2). Asaph recognized these attacks were because the people of God had continually sinned, but his hopes were that God would rescue His people and show them mercy and kindness. While the wages of sin is death, there is a gift of God in Jesus to rescue us from the penalty of sin (Romans 6:23).

Asaph’s cry was “How long, Lord?” (v. 5). Sin can have long lasting results. So can holiness. The seeds we sow spring up and bear fruit that can either bring life or death to our lives and those close to us. Asaph felt the devastating penalties for sin and was pleading with God for leniency and compassion. He now cried “Help us, God our Savior for the glory of Your name. Deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name’s sake” (v. 9). Asaph desired God’s mercy for God’s glory. That should also be our desire. His request for mercy for God’s people and retribution for those who hurt them (vv. 10-12) was not rooted in selfishness but in holiness. His hope was to lead God’s people away from sin and once again back to worshipping the Lord. His desire was that “we Your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever from generation to generation we will proclaim your praise” (v. 13). It’s never too late to turn back to God, and seek His forgiveness and mercy. Repentance and seeking the Lord can change the course of future generations and cause them to be worshippers of the Lord.

Questions:

1. Are your actions causing future generations to sin or worship?
2. Are you asking the Lord for mercy and forgiveness because of your sins?
3. Do you desire His mercy for His glory or your selfishness?

Prayer:
Lord, help me to worship You. I do not want my children and their children to suffer the consequences of my sin. Where I have sinned, grant forgiveness and mercy. Help me to lead my family in a way that produces a legacy of worshippers. Thank You for giving me compassion and kindness. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.