WHO GETS WHAT & WHY

READING: EXODUS 20:1-6

Verse 5: “...I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,”

This is a verse that should be very carefully quoted and used in a manner that, with care, avoids misunderstanding. It is important to not overlook its last five words. That part of the verse establishes that the destiny described by the first part, applies only to those who hate God. There is no reason for those who do not hate the Lord to fear the frightening destiny that He declares. In fact, the following verse in this chapter goes on with a statement that is fully the opposite of a punitive response. In verse 6, the promise is made that the Father shows mercy to those who love Him and keep His commandments. It is possible that either mercy or iniquity can be dispensed. The result obtained depends on how a person regards the Lord. People wrongly charge God with being uncaring, unjust or even cruel. Verse 6 refutes those erroneous conclusions. It informs us that the Lord’s responses to people are formed by peoples’ attitudes toward Him. There is either human hate that results in iniquity, or human love that results in mercy. The choice has been left to our selection. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What is the danger that can cause this verse to be misunderstood?

2. How does the Lord know what is in our hearts?