by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

Numbers 14:19
Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of Thy lovingkindness.

The following letter contains a sad commentary of one father's legacy. (I've changed the names and place, of course.)

Dear Dan:

Before I start this letter to you I must tell you that I love you and none of what has happened or is going to happen is in any way your fault. If I had been as good a father as you are a son there would be no need for me to write to you now.

Over the years I have been unfaithful to your mother in thoughts as well as in deeds. Because your mother had complete trust in me, I was able to cover up by lying to her. Last May I met a woman in Sacramento. Her name is Susan. I am going to leave your mother and go live with her.

What I have done is morally wrong and I hope you will not follow in my ways. When you meet the right woman make a lifelong commitment to her. I was never able to do this and it has caused much sorrow.

Please do not allow this to change your feelings about your mother and I. We love you very much and both need your love now even more than before. We will always be your family and will be here for you even though we will be living apart.

I love you, Dad.

Every time I read this letter I wonder what was going on in that man's mind. Did he really think that by telling his son to not follow his footsteps that he could reverse the damage he'd already done?

I once showed that letter to one of our children. Later I asked what he thought about it, and his response was piercing: "Don't sin, Dad."

He was too young to realize the wisdom of his words. But I do. The prayer of Moses is becoming mine: "Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people."

Prayer:

Confess the sins of America, a nation of divorce. Ask God to heal our land and bring about a family reformation.

Discuss: When was the last time you confessed your sins to the Lord? Spend some time now, searching and cleansing your heart.

Would you like your own copy of this devotional?