In 1 Kings 11 we read how David's son Solomon turns his heart away from God. Scripture tells us that Solomon was "clearly instructed" by the LORD not to marry foreign women, yet he "insisted on loving them anyway." For all the wisdom Solomon held, he embraced patterns of living that blatantly and foolishly opposed God's instructions. The Lord sets out to tear the kingdom away from him and give it to another, but for the sake of Solomon's father David, God makes some special accommodations. Solomon's son Rehoboam will have the kingdom taken away from him, but God doesn't bring division in Solomon's lifetime for David's sake, because of the covenant He made with David.
This is not the only time in scripture we see this phrase, or one similar. Genesis 26:24 talks about blessing and multiplying descendants for the sake of Abraham. Multiple times throughout God's Word we read how God defended or delivered people, establishing and tearing down kingdoms for the sake of David (1 Kings 15:4; 2 Kings 8:19; 19:34; 20:6; Isaiah 37:35). For the sake of Jacob, God chose Cyrus (Isaiah 45:4). For the sake of the Israelites, God's chosen people, He reproved kings, remembered His people and preserved a remnant (Psalm 105:14; Isaiah 63:17; 65:8). For the sake of Zion and Jerusalem God will not rest until there is restoration (Isaiah 62:1). For the sake of Judah, Babylon will be captured and judged (Isaiah 43:14). For the sake of all Christ-followers, the time of great tribulation will be shortened (Matthew 24:22; Mark 13:20). We read of enduring persecution for the sake of hope (Acts 28:20). For the sake of the patriarchs and His love for His people, God has not given up on national and ethnic Israel (Romans 11:28). God speaks to Jesus, not for Christ's sake, but for ours (John 12:30). Paul writes of serving others, for their sake, so the grace of God is seen and glory is lifted to Him (2 Corinthians 4:15). The message of the gospel is proclaimed for the sake of each one of us, with God making Himself manifest in many ways so that we can come to believe God and receive Jesus (1 Peter 1:20).
Do you see how often, even just through these few examples, that God acts toward one for the sake of another? Much of His activity towards the next generation is the fulfillment of covenants made to the now generation, promises spoken to those who walked in obedience with God. Our choices today and our lives matter, impacting those who follow after us.
However, before you think anything good you do will be the reason your descendants are blessed, we must remember that all the favour God shows towards us is for Christ's sake and for the covenant God made to His Son. We come to God only and always on the merit of Christ. It was Christ, the One and Only who left the splendor of heaven for our sakes, suffered, bled and died. He alone bridges the gap between God and man. It is only for Christ's sake that we are accepted in the Beloved as the Father looks on us and sees Jesus in our eyes. We are forgiven for Christ's sake (John 2:12).
Still, scripture tells us, liked Solomon, David and Rehoboam, our children's children will benefit as a result of how we live our lives. We need to be intentional in our obedience and increasing in holiness because it will impact those who come after us. God interweaves mercy and judgment, blessings and consequences that reflect His commitment to His covenants and His consideration for the legacy of faith that has walked before us. Let's live well for the sake of Christ.
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