Sour Grapes

"What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, 'The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?'" - Ezekiel 18:2

(In other words, the older generation has done wrong, but the younger generation pays for it.)

The LORD told Ezekiel to ask this of the people of Israel, who (according to the blurb before the reading in Celebrate) thought that the sins of their wayward ancestors and parents doomed them to more of the same. They didn't feel capable of repentance. They didn't feel worthy of God's love, and they were more than a bit whiny about it. Classic blame casting. Also classic resignation.

Ezekiel was giving the next generation of Israelites the good news that the past was the past, and only what they did with their lives really mattered. Their parents may have sinned, and it may even have had effect upon them. But when it comes to God's love, it's the same. Turn and live. Look to the God who loves you and follow his precepts.

This passage made me think of the mess we're leaving the next generation. Global warming, wars, poverty, corruption--the list goes on. We have feasted on sour grapes, and left those who follow to receive the bad taste in their mouths. They, in turn, feel a sense of doom and become resigned to living in some post-apocalyptic world.

But with God there is no statute of limitations for eating or tasting sour grapes. The parents can turn and live, and so can the the children. Turning and living can restore what was damaged by sin, and it can restore, more importantly, the relationship we have with God. So we are responsible for our own sin, but the consequences of sin are not forever. We can work towards the kingdom of heaven, despite the debris and obstacles left by others--and those others can change and help instead of hinder.

We can make a difference in the really big issues of the day. We need only turn and live lives worthy of Christ Jesus.

A story to finish--My friend, a vintner on Long Island, once gave us a bottle of Merlot. We tasted it and was it ever sour and dry. We mentioned that to Rich, and I'll never forget what that master wine maker said. "Just put some sugar in it." So if life gives you sour grapes, I guess with God's gracious help, we can make grape-ade.