“After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, 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. They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them.”
What happened here in Judges 2:10-12? How could this be possible with all the great things God had done for the Israelites? Miracle upon miracle, yet this new generation didn’t worship or even know God! Not only that, they were worshipping false gods!
Their parents had not shared or impressed on their children’s hearts all that God had done for them and their ancestors.
Now, the parents had passed away, leaving a whole new generation without any godly wisdom or direction, and they had completely forsaken God!
Sound familiar? We see it in our world today. We allow things in our lives that our parents didn’t. We forsake church attendance when our parents or grandparents wouldn’t have dreamed of missing a Sunday unless they were hospitalized. There is no Bible reading or prayer in our homes. Sins (clearly defined in God’s Word) that would have completely disgusted our ancestors, are now accepted and considered “normal behavior”.
Can we please be the generation to wake up??? If we don’t humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face, turn from our wicked ways (2 Chronicles 7:14), and teach God’s Word to our children and grandchildren (Deuteronomy 6:5-7), we are doomed for eternity and the generations behind us will be in the very same shoes!
It is up to us to turn, repent, and ask the Lord to show us the ancient path and then for us to walk in it (Jeremiah 6:16)!
Are you a follower of Jesus Christ? If so, what are you doing today to make sure the next generation knows about Him? Are there things in your life today that you would be embarrassed for your parent or grandparent to see or know you had accepted? Well, what about God? He is greater than any parent and He already sees what is in your heart and life. I desire to live a life wholeheartedly committed to God, and I desire the same for the lives of these little ones behind me! Don’t you?
Let’s ask Him today to forgive us of anything that doesn’t belong in our hearts and lives. Let’s turn back to the ancient path of faithfulness and obedience to the Lord and His Word!
YOU and I could be the difference that impacts generations to come! Lord, please help us not to underestimate the influence we have in our children’s lives! Help us to see the opportunities You have given us to be a light to our families and the world around us!
If you are already part of a generation that has received no godly direction, it is not too late! Open the Bible today, ask God to show you how very real He is and how much He loves you! Start reading and seeking to learn about Him – YOU can be the start of a new generation that has returned to the Lord! Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me (God) and find me when you seek me with all your heart.“
May the change to live wholeheartedly for the Lord, begin with us!
2 Chronicles 7:14 – if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 – Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Jeremiah 6:16a – This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.
