He remembered His holy promise, and Abraham His servant. He brought out His people with joy, His chosen ones with gladness. (Psalm 105:42-43)

Based on the verses above, one could argue that the Exodus generation was redeemed, not so much due to their own virtue and merit, but for the sake of their ancestor, Abraham. God made the promise to him centuries before, and at the appointed time, God kept the promise and brought his descendants out of their bondage. On more than one occasion, God spared the entire congregation of Israel from death when Moses appealed to the Almighty to remember the faithfulness of the patriarchs. Whether they realized it or not, they were the beneficiaries of another man’s dedicated service to God and God’s commitment to reward that man for his devotion.

There are other such examples in the Bible that come to mind when considering this notion. Again speaking of Abraham, the Bible suggests that Lot and his family were spared because of his uncle’s relationship with God and his willingness to intercede on their behalf. It is written that, “God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow” (Genesis 19:29). It would seem that Noah’s entire family was saved from the flood, not necessarily due to their righteousness, but because “Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). The firstborn of Israel were spared death because their fathers heeded the word of the Lord and put the blood of the sacrificial lamb on their doorposts.

The point is that God is faithful to those who are faithful to Him, remembering and honoring their dedication for the sake of their children and descendants — even when those descendants are not walking as they should. Obviously, this is not to say that the descendants of a righteous person can do as they wish without consequence; but it is to say that God considers a man’s faithfulness when dealing with his children and those that he loves. Ultimately, this principle shines a light on the goodness and faithfulness of our Heavenly Father. Were it not for the sacrifice of His Son, all of us would be without hope and lost. But thanks be unto God, we are beneficiaries of the Messiah’s faithfulness to the Father’s Will, and that fact should fill us with joy and gladness. May it also provoke us to love and serve Him, faithfully teaching our households of His ways that our names may be remembered in the time to come, and that our descendants may enjoy the blessings of God’s goodness.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill