10 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.
What have you done for me lately? Anyone who has heard that question directed at them knows how irritating, selfish, and short-sighted it is. In spite of any great work in the past, the here and now is what matters. We want results. Now. My years in sales were a great example. If I had a great year and did not increase that sales by at least 10%, questions would be asked, such as, “What have you done for me lately?” Moses led the people out of slavery. 3 days later, they grumbled. Joshua led the next generation into the promised land and they rejoiced and were buried in their new nation. The next generation forgot everything God did for them and the last verse of Judges tells the inevitable conclusion.
25 In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
There will always be a next generation and they will always forget the things the past generation witnessed. This next generation faces challenges we never saw, a pandemic, cultural pressure to conform or be canceled, and the shrinking influence of the church. The generation after us needs our love, support, and prayers. They also need to be reminded of what God has done for them in sending Jesus to the cross. In all this turmoil, our young people can be comforted in the fact that they can then teach the next generation about all that God had done for them in the tough times when they were young. What has God done for you lately?
Remember and rejoice today!
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church