Lent

He shows mercy to everyone,

from one generation to the next,

who honors him as God.

(Luke 1:50 CEB)

In Deuteronomy 5:9, God says “…I punish children for their parents’ sins—even to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me.” This scripture has always troubled me. I have struggled to understand what it means, because my faith is grounded in the love and mercy of God.

Over time, I have come to understand these words not so much as a message about punishment but about consequence. Throughout history, human sin has resulted in a legacy of suffering. Colonization, slavery, and the Holocaust all caused trauma that extended—and still extends—through many generations. 

Deuteronomy 5:10, continues, “but I show love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”  This sounds just like Mary’s song, signifying redemption.  For where sin and suffering are great, God’s loyalty, grace and mercy are greater. 

The promise of redemption is the heart of our Christian faith. During this season of Lent, when my thoughts turn inward and I meditate on brokenness and failure and repentance and forgiveness, I need reminders of this promise.  Mary sings of God’s mercy at a time which must have been fraught with uncertainty, fear, and shame.  She had received the assurance of an angel, but she still had to live under the scrutiny of the world.  Her words remind me that God’s mercy prevails where humankind’s does not.

Prayer

God, we are ever grateful that where our sin and suffering are great, your love and mercy are greater. In humility and repentance, may we turn to you, that future generations may be blessed.  In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.  

This devotional was written and read by Greta Smith.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.