But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. Exodus 20:6 (NLT)
A thousand generations is a long time. If you figure a generation is between twenty and twenty-five years, a thousand generations would be anywhere from twenty thousand to twenty-five thousand years. Some commentators have even extended as far as fifty-thousand years. By contrast, God’s anger lasts merely three to four generations, so approximately seventy-five to one hundred years.
God is trying to impress upon us that His love far outlasts His wrath. His mercy is so much greater than our sin. This gives me great confidence and assurance that God honors my faith, pouring His blessings not just on me but also on my children and their children.
Yet it also bears upon me to raise up my children in the knowledge of Christ. Oh, that I might be a parent who draws God’s lavish love on my offspring rather than His wrath. What comfort to know that my choices for good will bring blessings on my children and their children! What peace to know His love will endure upon those who come behind me long after I am gone. I need not worry about their future. He is already there.
Thought: “A man must talk to God about his children before he talks to his children about God.” – Ed Cole