A Day-by-day devotional

May 17, 2023

Grandpa

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Proverbs 1-6

Scripture of the Day: Genesis 22:15–18

Both my grandfathers passed away when I was very young. One was gone when I was about three and the other when I was five. Since we were living with my paternal grandfather when I was a child, I became more acquainted with him than my maternal grandfather.

We call our paternal grandpa Lolo Pat. Lolo is the Filipino word for grandpa, probably originating from the Spanish abuelo. My Lolo Pat was a very strict grandfather. My cousins and I were a total of five grandchildren who grew up together living under his roof. He did not tolerate mischievous and unrespectful behavior. Nonetheless, he was very caring and sweet.

One of my most treasured memories of him was when I would sit next to him when he plays the piano. I loved listening to him play. Although he did not have formal lessons, he was a self-taught pianist with inherent talent. I did not have the chance to learn to play as a kid. But the desire in my heart has been there for years because of those memories. When I finally learned to play, each time I am on the piano, I would always remember him. He didn’t pass on his intrinsic talent to me. Nonetheless, those beautiful memories of him playing, while I sat next to him, were a blessing from his generation (him) to mine (me).

In the bible, generational blessings abound. This type of blessing is something passed on from one generation to the next, within a family lineage. Most blessings in the bible is of a generational nature. The blessing received by Abraham was passed on to Isaac, then to Jacob and his twelve sons. The blessing of Abraham did not only stay in their family lineage though. It also came through adoption, in that, the same blessing comes to every believer in Christ.

As a part of your own generation, how do you ensure that the generational blessing continues to flow from you to the next generations in your family? Remember that the opposite of blessing is curse, and curse can also creep into your family as a generational curse which is brought about by sin, idolatry and rebellion against God.

Therefore, in your generation you have to choose – blessing or curse. Which one will you hand down to the generations after you?

Reflection: You may think that your current actions and sins would only have consequences to you. However, some of these consequences can be passed on in the form of a generational curse within your family lineage.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the blessings imparted to me from the generations before me. Most of all, thank you for the blessings I received through adoption as your child. Amen.