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: Using their genealogical family records, the names of the Israelites were investigated. Soon it was the turn of the priests with the surname Barzillai. This name did not pass the verification test. The failure was traceable to an act performed by the ancestors of these priests. They had chosen to marry non-Jewish women, which was strictly forbidden in their tradition. Due to this discovery, the Barzillai priests were deemed “unclean,” and their priestly positions revoked. The actions of their forefathers had negatively affected them. It is clear from this story that the things you do today can affect the future of your children. As a result, the decisions you make in life must be informed by how they can potentially affect the course of your posterity.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Please help me make decisions that won’t harm my descendants.

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