Great grandparents can live long enough to see the results of their sin upon their great grandchildren. “Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them [idols], nor serve them [false elohim]: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me” (Exodus 20:5 KJV). Though a just God punishes us for our own sins and not our parents’ sins — “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father” (Ezekiel 18:20) — the evil example of the parents most likely will continue to the children. Generational curses like generational blessings are not easily lifted, for they are enforced by an Unseen Realm of demons and angels. Understanding of the Almighty must be elevated for the Rahabs and Ruths to be raised to the congregation of the righteous. “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29). LORD, be merciful to us in learning about You. Teach us Your ways, and let not any evil way be named among us. Return quickly and deliver us. In Jesus’ name, amen and amen.
Los Angeles Angels
Shohei Ohtani: Beyond the Dream
“Life doesn’t make dreams. Dreams make life” (from “Shohei Ohtani: Beyond the Dream” November 17, 2023 ESPN+ documentary about Shohei Ohtani [大谷 翔平], the Japanese professional, two-way baseball pitcher and batter). Ohtani’s outstanding performance at the 2023 World Baseball Classic and the Major League Baseball All-Star Games are only past events from his now famous “dream board.” World champion is his vision for the future as Ohtani #17 moves from the Los Angeles Angels to the Los Angeles Dodgers with an unprecedented 10-year, $700 million contract, where he deferred accepting payment of $680 million until 2034, so the Dodgers would be free to recruit other players to help the team achieve the goal of becoming World Series champions. Christians are wise not to be led astray by a dream not from God. “If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make Myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream” (Numbers 12:6 KJV). If Shohei Ohtani can be motivated by his love of baseball and dream of MLB championships, why can’t disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ dream of bringing life to a world of lost sinners in need of a Shepherd, because of our love for Jesus? “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33). LORD, You alone can grant me those dreams for Your Kingdom. And, You alone will fulfill them. Amen and amen.
We Need A Miracle 