October 11, 2023
1 Kings 15:9-15
9 In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Asa became king of Judah, 10 and he reigned in Jerusalem forty-one years. His grandmother’s name was Maakah daughter of Abishalom.  11 Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David had done. 12 He expelled the male shrine prostitutes from the land and got rid of all the idols his ancestors had made. 13 He even deposed his grandmother Maakah from her position as queen mother, because she had made a repulsive image for the worship of Asherah. Asa cut it down and burned it in the Kidron Valley. 14 Although he did not remove the high places, Asa’s heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life. 15 He brought into the temple of the Lord the silver and gold and the articles that he and his father had dedicated.
New International Version (NIV)
How long will we be remembered?  I remember two of my great-grandmothers.  I have read that we are forgotten by our great-great grandchildren.  They may hear someone tell about us but they will have no personal memory of us.  How will our genetics or epigenetics affect those distant generations?  What will they inherit from us?
Asa was David’s great-great grandson.   Solomon’s son and grandson followed the pattern of his later years.  They led Judah deeper and deeper into sin.  The shadow of the sinful northern kingdom of Israel fell upon the southern kingdom of Judah.  Evil kings reigned both north and south.  Just when all seemed lost, Asa ascended to the throne.  He followed the pattern of his “father” David and did what was right, for a change.  Ridding the country of idolatry and immorality, he stood against the worst of his heritage.  His heart was fully committed to the Lord for his whole life. 
We all descend from a long line of ancestors!  Which ones will we choose to emulate?  It could be that the greater influence on our life derives from some godly grandparent of many generations before.  In any generation, if one person chooses to live a godly life, generational curses may be broken.  Generational blessings will ensue.  Be that person today.  Set your heart upon God.  Be fully committed for your whole life.  Our families are waiting on us.  Though generations may pass, someday, somebody will remember, and follow our example.  
Pray with me:
Father, we thank you for godly generations before us.  As we make our decisions today, may we align ourselves with godly men and women who walked with you.  Deliver us from the generational curse of sin.  As your eyes range throughout the earth to strengthen the godly, see us living your way.  “May all who come behind us find us faithful.  May the fire of our devotion light their way.  May the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe, and the lives we live inspire them to obey.”  In Jesus’ name.   Amen. 
Our 2023 Every Day with Jesus readings are taken from Robert Murray M'Cheyne's Bible Reading Calendar. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:
Please join us in reading through the scriptures again this year.  We will read the New Testament twice and the Old Testament once this year. M'Cheyne once said, “A man is who he is on his knees, and nothing more.”  Would you pray with me that God will make his word live to us this year?  Let’s not just get through the Bible.  Let it get through to us!

Joyfully, 
Duane 

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