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.
Judges 2:10 NIV
The generation of Israelites God delivered from Egyptian bondage died in the wilderness because of unbelief and disobedience. The generation that followed them entered the promised land and began driving out the Canaanites. Like their parents, they experienced God’s mighty hand. But, unlike their parents, they were generally faithful to God’s instruction.
But one thing they failed to do was pass on their faith to the next generation. This third generation neither knew the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Surely they had heard stories from their parents. But that is all it was. Just folk tales from the past. Without any relevance to their day.
As a result, the gods of the peoples remaining in the land after the conquest appealed to them. And they choose to serve them instead.
What was true then is true today as well. We have a generation raised in ‘Christian’ homes who have heard the stories of our faith. But for too many of them, that is all it is, just stories. And the appeal of this world and its gods often turns their hearts away from seeking and serving the one true God.
We must make every effort to ensure that the next generation has more than just stories. That they develop a personal experience with the Lord. And see for themselves what God can do in a person’s life.
Great article and so true!
Thanks