“After Joshua had dismissed the Israelites, they went to take possession of the land, each to their own inheritance. 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. Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a hundred and ten…
“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. They aroused the Lord’s anger because they forsook him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths.” Judges 2:6-13
“Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation… But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them... Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.” Exodus 1:6-8
“Remember the days of old;
consider the generations long past.
Ask your father and he will tell you,
your elders, and they will explain to you.” Deuteronomy 32:7
“We will not hide them from their descendants;
we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
his power, and the wonders he has done.” Psalm 78:4
In rear-view perspective, it puzzles us that after witnessing over generations the amazing hand of God in miraculous deliverance and fulfilling His marvelous promises to them that Israel would turn her back. Why would His people entertain other gods? How could their devotion be so weak, so fickle? Hadn’t He proved His love and care and power? How could they forget? Yet at some point, in some dreary way of the flesh, there arose a generation who did not know, who had not heard. The thrill had gradually waned, tarnished by troubles and fatigue. The vibrant joy and gratitude and expectancy had been day by day choked out by thorny cares and distractions. The message had diminished, quieted by more urgent speak. (Matthew 13:20-22)
While we might be critical and wonder why, we must realize it takes deliberation to maintain a heightened anticipation of the Lord. A message cannot be known and savored if it is never received, and it cannot be received without being told. What exactly do we intend to pass on to the generations that follow us? What do we deem most important?
It’s easy in a push me-pull-you culture to value what gets us ahead in this life, what brings public notice or temporal pleasure. We spend time and resources on things and experiences, we crowd the mind and spend the body on what does not last. How intentional are we throughout ordinary days to tell how God in His grace saved us, of times He protected, convicted, or directed us? We can pray for opportunity to speak His word and recount His deeds, then act boldly when He answers. How we treasure and handle truths of past and present will influence generations to come. What part will we play?
Lord, may I live gratefully and tell Your wondrous deeds to generations who need You, unto Your praise and glory. (Psalm 145:1-12)
As the rain and snow 