One Generation

After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things He had done for Israel. The Israelites did evil in the LORD's sight and served the images of Baal. They abandoned the LORD, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods, worshiping the gods of the people around them. And they angered the LORD. They abandoned the LORD to serve Baal and the images of Ashtoreth. This made the LORD burn with anger against Israel, so He handed them over to raiders who stole their possessions. He turned them over to their enemies all around, and they were no longer able to resist them. Every time Israel went out to battle, the LORD fought against them, causing them to be defeated, just as He had warned. And the people were in great distress. (Judges 2:10-15 NLT)

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly things can change.  During my dad's childhood, his family's number one concern was having food to eat.  The Great Depression was in full force.  By the time he was 18, his number one concern was staying alive.  World War II was in full force and he was going "over there."  Upon his return, the primary concerns became a steady job, marriage, and children.  Then it became about us carrying the torch into the next generation.

The thing is, we were able to hear the stories of his childhood, teenage years, and early manhood.  Bud we didn't experience the same things.  I don't know what it's like to live through a Recession or Depression with no unemployment system.  I don't know what it's like to be a part of a country that rallies together and goes half way around the world to fight obvious evil.  Wars aren't fought that way anymore.  I grew up watching such things on T.V.  My children don't understand either.  They watch such things on YouTube and Facebook.  Things change quickly from generation to generation.

That's why it's so important that we focus on the most important thing to pass down from generation to generation: a relationship with God.  God is always available.  God always meets us where we are.  God isn't dumbfounded by technological changes nor is He stumped when it comes to speaking with any generation.  He's God.

The Israelites blew that play.  They didn't pass their relationship with God down from generation to generation.  Now the children and grandchildren are turning away.  They are receiving the consequences of their actions.  They were attacked by their enemies and they lost.  They were hurting.  They were in distress.  All of this took place because their parents didn't make the main thing the main thing.  They didn't teach their children to, above all else, walk together with God.  Do you?