Christians: The Next Generation
Joshua died at 110 years of age and was buried. “And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.” (Judges 2.10) What a tragedy! These people’s parents had conquered the land of promise. How could it be said that this generation did not know the God who handed their parents victory after victory? Because every generation has to have their own relationship with God.
Parents: I understand that your congregation may only be what it is today because you defended the faith so well at times when Satan’s influence came rapping at the door (and thank you for standing firm!). I know you have served God as faithfully as you could. But your achievements will not save your child(ren), nor the children of others. They will decide for themselves.
Kids: I know your dad may have nailed every nail in every stud in the church building, and your mother has taught Bible class since she got out of high school. I know you haven’t missed a Sunday service since you left the hospital when you were born. And I know that is all worthless to you if you do not decide for yourself that the LORD is the god you will claim as your god (Jeremiah 2.11-13). Your family cannot stop you, or save you.
Do not assume that you will have better faith in God one day. Do not assume that you will eventually become the Christian that your parents or grandparents were/are. You being a good Christian is about what YOU do to become like Christ. You do not need your parent’s permission to read your Bible. You do not need a class at church to be started so that you can be a Bible student. You may need to think about your future for a moment- WHEN will you be the Christian you desire to be? WHEN will you lead others to Christ? “Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua and had known all the work that the LORD did for Israel”. (Joshua 24.31) And then…They just didn’t anymore. Then, “they went after other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were around them…” (Judges 2.12)