RE Verse reading–1 Samuel 8:1-10, 1 Samuel 12:1-5 (day six) “But his sons did not walk in his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.” (8:3) I wonder. Did Samuel ever ask himself, “What did I do wrong?” Did he ever feel guilty or responsible for his sons’ character or choices? The scripture suggests no such blame. None. Faithful parents can have unfaithful children. The prophet Ezekiel warns us against typical logic. The old proverb was, “The fathers eat sour grapes, but the children’s teeth are set on edge.” In other words, the father’s choices are felt in the life of the child–for good or for bad. Not always so in spiritual things. ” ‘As I live,’ declares the Lord God, ‘you are surely not going to use this proverb in Israel anymore. Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son. The soul who sins will die.’ ” (Ezekiel 18:2-4)
