"For I the LORD your God am a jealous God,
visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,
but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."
(Exodus 20:5-6)
Frank Sinatra sang, "I've lived a life that's full. I've traveled each and ev'ry highway; and more, much more than this, I did it my way" ("My Way").
God would probably amend the song, "You want a life that's full? You could travel down each highway, but, at the end, you'll see that it has to be done My way."
Our verses this morning come to us at the tail end of the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods." But the promise and the threat cover all ten. The threat comes as God promises to punish those who disobey His commandments even to the third and fourth generation.
But the promise comes to those who strive to keep the commandments and beg for God's forgiveness when they break them. All the commandments were given to show us that we cannot keep them perfectly. That's why Jesus came to fulfill the Law and not abolish it (Matthew 5:17).
Jesus fulfilled the Law perfectly and gave you His righteousness and holiness in Baptism so that you could be counted among the thousands upon whom God shows His steadfast love. How is God showing you His steadfast love today? Look around and see His graciousness. Amen.
