About a year ago, I read a book explaining how within recent years, generation after generation of humanity considers pursuing Christianity less and less. Statistics show that today, our youth are more inclined to abandon the faith as they move through life, or at least become less of a “practicing” Christian. In the Old Testament, that pattern was evident as well. It seemed as though with every new king, the Israelites became more pagan and more opposed to God. And it didn’t take very long for that trend to begin. God led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and brought them into the promised land. Joshua led the Israelites, taking over a land meant to establish their people for generations. But once Joshua and his generation died, things changed. It says in Judges 2, verse 10:
“After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.”
It was this generation who turned from the one true God and began worshipping pagan gods. And for the most part, generation after generation of Israelites who once followed God whole-heartedly, turned their backs on him. Is this what we’re facing in America today? Are we witnessing a generation who neither knows God, nor what he has done for their fathers and grandfathers? It sure looks that way to me. That is why it is so important for believers to pass their faith on to their children; to remind them of who God is and what he has done, so that they will follow him, and their children and grandchildren will follow him as well. If you are one who was raised not knowing the Lord or what he has done, I encourage you to stop the pattern of denial. I encourage you to turn to him today.
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When Joshua and his generation died, another generation grew up who neither knew the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. I don’t know about you, but I see that trend occurring in America, and it is alarming and sad. Later in the Old Testament, there were a couple of kings who stopped that pattern. They turned to God and served him like their forefathers once did. So I encourage you, if you have children, or when you have children, make it your mission to pass along the hope you have in Jesus to them. And if you are one who has turned your back on God, I encourage you to return to him today. Finally, if you are following Christ, pray for our youth that we will not see another generation lost.