July 24, 2020

A Fresh Start

Numbers 26:8-11

The line of Korah, however, did not die out.

—  Numbers 26:11

Back in Numbers 16 (July 15) we looked at the story of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who rebelled against God’s appointed leaders. The consequence of their sin was that the earth swallowed up these men and their families.

But there were some in the family of Korah who did not follow his rebellion. Our passage today says that Korah’s line did not die out. So not all of his family died with him. Some must have remained faithful to the Lord. And God was gracious to them. In fact, some of Korah’s line went on to write a number of psalms (see Psalms 42-49; 84-85; and more).

Some of us may have grown up in a family in which our parents did not follow the Lord. Perhaps we did not have many good examples or wise teachers to follow as we grew up. This passage in the Bible reminds us that the unbelief of one generation does not need to be followed by the next one. Today God calls every generation anew to put their hope in him and to follow Christ. In his grace, God doesn’t hold the sins of one generation against the next. We have opportunities for a fresh start.

What legacy are you hoping to leave for your children and grandchildren? If there’s been no history of faith before you, you can begin a new legacy today by trusting in Christ.

Precious Savior, thank you that your mercies are new for each generation. Help each of us to live for you and your glory. Amen.

About the author — Tom Groelsema

Tom Groelsema and his wife, Sheri, have served churches in Minnesota, Michigan, and North Carolina. They have four children and three granddaughters.

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