Generational Sin — 2 Kings 13:6-11
We have come to accept wrong behaviours, and we keep on perpetuating them.
Reading through the books of Kings and Chronicles, we over and over again see this phrase.
2 Kings 13:6 (NIV84):
But they did not turn away from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit; they continued in them.
For generation after generation. Good kings and bad kings, all continuing this sin. You will remember that Jeroboam was Solomon’s servant who became king over the ten northern tribes of Israel. He started the practice of worship on the high places in Israel so the people would not go down to Jerusalem, and thus, their loyalty might go to Judah.
This practice became so much a part of the culture that even the most godly kings of Israel, after destroying the worship of Baal and destroying its priest and temple, did not destroy or root out this sin.
We see how God feels about it.
2 Kings 13:11 (NIV84):
He did evil in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn away from any of the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat.
It made me ask the question, both in my family and in our churches, are there practices or things we do that God is not pleased with?
Can we identify them? Will we have the courage to call them out, address them, and repent of them? Or will we do everything else well but not address them?
I think of Jehu, who was very zealous for God yet didn’t root out this sin. The scripture makes a point again and again in these texts: “But they did not turn away…”
Father, help us identify the practices, traditions, or behaviours in our lives that we have come to accept but that offend you.
Father, may the things that offend you offend us. May we root them out and honor you.
May we serve you and you alone.
