Do not hold against us the sins of the fathers; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need. Psalm 79:8
There are many sins committed by fathers that affect their children. But the sin that brings a curse on the third and fourth generation is the sin of idol worship. Israel learned this lesson. They had become a nation of idols. Eventually, the land was overrun, and the people were taken into captivity. The idols they worshipped at their high places weren't worth the pain they suffered.
Unfortunately, we live in a country that hasn't yet learned the lesson. Everywhere you turn there are signs of idol worship. Tabloids display the faces of the worshipped ones. In public, the magazines taut to know the "sexiest man alive." In private, the magazines - and now most home computers - show idols of any kind. Unimaginable acts can now be watched through the turn of a page - the click of a button.
What are we doing to our children?
Lord, I want to be the fourth generation, and I want my children to be the first of a thousand. The sins of my father, my grandfather, and I expect my great-grandfather have plagued me for too long. Have mercy on me. Help me to turn from the idol worship of this age. I know that forgiven sin is forgotten sin, so help me to forget the sins of my fathers. Help me to seek You - to worship You alone.
Come quickly to meet me, for I am in desperate need of You.