We’re not keeping this to ourselves, we’re passing it along to the next generation!
Psalms 78:4 MSG
Every new generation must discover the purpose of God for themselves. However, it is the older generation’s responsibility to take time to teach these things. Why is that? “So that each generation can set its hope anew on God” (Psalm 78:7 NLT). Each generation has to come to the knowledge of God. It is by this that they will live in the manner and pattern of the kingdom of God. However, the older generation must present Jesus to the next generation. Through these teachings, the new generation would come to know the Lord. It is like passing the torch
The importance of this played out in the bible in Judges 2. God chose Abraham and called him out of what, where and who he knew. God called him into intimacy with Him and Abraham responded with fervour. He came out of his father’s land and started following the instructions of God. It came to a point where God said He knew Abraham would teach his children.
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
Genesis 18:19 KJV
God was assured that the seed of Abraham would know Him and keep His ways because Abraham would command them. There was an assurance that the relationship between God and Abraham would not stop with him. God saw it as a generational thing. Moreover, we see this in Isaac who also walked with God. Jacob, even though his beginning was rough, had that relationship. Likewise, Joseph stood valiantly for God in his time because his hope was set anew on God.
This trend continued to the Children of Israel in the time of Moses and Joshua. However, the generations in that time were filled with their own wants. They grumbled and complained and did not seek to know God for themselves. The only thing they wanted was the goodies of God and not His ways. What was the end result? A generation that did not know the Lord.
Eventually that entire generation died and was buried. Then another generation grew up that didn’t know anything of God or the work he had done for Israel.
Judges 2:10 MSG
Now, how does this apply in our own time? The next generation knowing the Lord is dependent on what this generation will pass on to them. It is like a relay race. Winning is dependent on speed but also the transition of the baton. It is like passing the torch. Moreover, each person is a generation (1 Peter 2:9).
In conclusion, what are you passing on to the people coming after you? Are we not going to pass on complacency and lukewarmness? What would be the inheritance that generations yet unborn will run with? What is the legacy? This calls for a sober reflection.
