SCRIPTURE: Judges 2
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals. [Judges 2:10-11] Two points catch my attention: first, that the people disobey God by allowing the Canaanites to practice their religious immorality among them; and second, that their children do not know the Lord nor what He had done for Israel. The parents fail to instruct their children. And their children turn away from God.
What a huge responsibility it is to be responsible for children (whether as a parent or as a teacher or leader). We need to model the lifestyle of following Jesus, but we also need to communicate it. We need to bring our children to Jesus, both by our words and our actions. People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [Luke 18:15-16] Although I can’t imagine intentionally keeping children from Jesus, do I by my example or by my silence, keep children distant from Him.
Someone pointed out to me recently that the younger generation in the church does not know the Lord’s Prayer, nor the Apostles’ Creed. Of course I know them by heart, but do my children, or the youth in our church? I am not intentionally keeping them from knowing these important expressions of faith, but by my silence and practice (not using them in the home or in church services), am I keeping them from benefiting from them?
I thank the Lord that our children do know Him, and what He has done for them. I thank God that they have decided to believe, and to serve Him. But these passages remind me of how important it is to share my faith and practice with them, and other youth around me. The next generation needs to know the Lord, and what He can do for them.
This is the lesson that I hear from the Lord today, that I need to SHOW and TELL the next generation about the Lord, so that they will know Him and follow Him too.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to reveal You in my words and actions, so that my children, and their children – and so on – may know and follow You.
7 The people served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the LORD had done for Israel.
As the leader goes, so go the people.
10 After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. 11 Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals.
What a responsibility I have to tell the next generation of the glory of my God and all what He has done for me. As I continue to nurture my kids and grandkids, do they see God in me. As I continue to teach, do my children, my students, see Christ Jesus in me? I need to tell the next generation the glory of our God. This generation has the obligation, the Christ command, to tell the story of Jesus so that they too may hear of the glories of our God.
Help me to be a living letter Lord so all may see and hear how You have formed me, molded me, used me in Your service. Help me also this day to live for Jesus in all I do and say!
Tell me the old, old story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
Tell me the story simply, as to a little child,
For I am weak and weary, and helpless and defiled.
Refrain
Tell me the old, old story, tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story, of Jesus and His love.
Tell me the story slowly, that I may take it in,
That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin.
Tell me the story often, for I forget so soon;
The early dew of morning has passed away at noon.
Refrain
Tell me the story softly, with earnest tones and grave;
Remember I’m the sinner whom Jesus came to save.
Tell me the story always, if you would really be,
In any time of trouble, a comforter to me.
Refrain
Tell me the same old story when you have cause to fear
That this world’s empty glory is costing me too dear.
Yes, and when that world’s glory is dawning on my soul,
Tell me the old, old story: “Christ Jesus makes thee whole.”
Refrain