The Blessing
The words of this song do my head in – that the Lord blesses a thousand generations.
My problem is that there’s only been about 200 generations since Adam, over the past 6,000 years, and there’ll be at most 50 more generations until this universe is replaced in another 1,000 years. (Jesus is the 77th from Adam according to Luke’s genealogy)
So how can the Bible talk about blessing a thousand generations when there’s not enough time in the universe for this?
Firstly, this is totally scriptural:
Exodus 20:6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
1. We could be talking figuratively, saying a thousand, but meaning “many”
2. Maybe my Biblical understanding of the universe is wrong.
3. Perhaps we’re counting many more generations in the new universe. We don’t know a lot about this. But we won’t marry then because we’re immortal.
Matthew 22:30 At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.
Perhaps there will be new humans in the new universe. This is very speculative.
4. Maybe this is saying that God’s blessings extend well beyond the limits of the universe.
Anyways, I just thought I’d share my confusion because a problem shared is a problem divided ;-).
And we can always just enjoy the unfathomableness of God.
Shalom
– Brent