The Sins of the Parents

Genesis 26:6 And Isaac dwelt in Gerar:
7 And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

No believer should knowingly marry an unbeliever (2 Corinthians 6:14). Additionally, the unmarried should look for other strengths and weaknesses in a prospective spouse before agreeing to marriage. Oftentimes, these strengths and weaknesses can be seen by interaction with the other’s parents. Isaac lied about Rebekah (Genesis 26:6-7) just as his father Abraham lied about Sarah (Genesis 12:10-13; Genesis 20:1-2). Solomon’s weakness for women (1 Kings 11:1) was first witnessed in his father David (2 Samuel 11:1-4). Rachel learned deception (Genesis 31:32-35) by watching her father act deceptively (Genesis 29:25). A careful observation of parents can reveal prospective problems in a future spouse.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children):Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, loved the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:3-4) but helped the wicked king of Israel (2 Chronicles 19:1-3). This association caused his son Jehoram to pick up evil ways and he married the wicked king’s daughter (2 Chronicles 21:5-6). Jehoram’s son Ahaziah also did wrong (2 Chronicles 22:1-4).

(For everyone)How do most young people learn how to handle conflicts within the home? How do young men learn the right or wrong way to treat a lady? How would a young lady learn to react to her future husband?

(For everyone):How could you interact with a person’s family without making it seem as though you are scrutinizing them?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask God for wisdom when making decisions that will impact your entire future.

Ask the Lord to give you a scriptural foundation for courting and the willpower to succeed.

SONG

He Leadeth Me

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