S) "10 All that generation also were gathered to their fathers; and there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD, nor yet the work which He had done for Israel."
Judges 2:10 (NASB)
O) When the verse says, "that generation," it is referring to the generation who was faithful to the LORD, who was actually the second generation from Egypt. The new generation in this verse, like the first generation from Egypt, was not faithful to God. And so begins the cycle of ups and downs that underlines the book of Judges. Taking special note of the end of our verse, we see that the root of the problem is that they didn't know the LORD or His works - yet. Manifestly, that faithful second generation failed as teachers. However, there is that "yet," which reveals hope. This third generation would learn who the LORD is, and experience His works firsthand, when He would deliver them from their oppressors under the leadership of each elected Judge. The failure to reach their own next generation would repeat, though. Failing to teach the next generations would prove to be a continued theme.
A) So, in this verse the importance of teaching my children is evident. Teaching them to teach their own children is even more important. But, through this cycle of teaching, that word "yet," still rings in my ears. See, without the teaching of the previous generation, the people of God would still come to know the LORD. So, how is it that they learned, if not from the previous generation? Through experiences. And so, my lesson to learn is not to simply teach my children about my God, but to get them to experience the LORD our God, and then to teach them to do the same with their children.
P) Father, in Your grace You invaded my life. You would not be ignored, and you confronted me with the reality of Your existence. I had to make a choice. Lord, I pray for you to invade the lives of my children, and their children, and forever through my generations. Confront them with Your reality. I pray that I am a faithful and effective teacher, so that my children know how to respond in faith and obedience, when they experience Your reality. I pray that they learn to teach their own next generation. This is the greatest request I can imagine, Father God. Be glorified throughout my generations. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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