Scripture Reading: Ezra 2:61-62
And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name: These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

Reflections: The names of the people of Israel were subjected to checks using their genealogical family records. It came to the turn of the priests surnamed Barzillai. This name failed the verification test. The failure was traced to a past act which was committed by the ancestors of these priests. Apparently they had chosen to marry women who were non-Jewish, an act totally forbidden within their culture. Thus the Barzillai priests were assigned an “unclean” status and their position as priests revoked outright. The course of their destiny had been altered negatively by the actions of their ancestors. Unlike the Barzillai ancestors, don’t forget that the things you do today can alter the course of your posterity. Decisions you take in life must be informed by how it can potentially affect the course of your posterity.

Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me take actions that will will not alter the course of my posterity negatively.

Confession: I take actions that will not alter the course of my posterity negatively.