“After the whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel” Judges 2:10.
When you look at history, you will see that the Israelites would move in and out of close relationship with the Lord. One minute they were following God in covenant and following closely the leader the Lord had provided. The next minute they were rebelling and serving other gods. Many times their plight was dependent on the leader’s heart and the direction he would take them. There were many kings who did not serve the Lord and the people would follow suit. The result was a whole generation growing up and not recognizing the Lord, therefore, the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. It just reminds us how important it is to live and follow the one and only true God and be about passing that faith on to the next generation. Other things will try to distract us and get us off course, but we are to be wise to the things of God and the things of this world, and be able to discern the difference. How can a people pass on something they are not carrying themselves? To think that a whole generation could drift away from the Lord is alarming.
It reminds us that we need to live out our faith daily. Just because you experienced revival last year doesn’t mean you are still living in that reality. It’s good that you were close to the Lord last month – but that doesn’t ensure that you are this month. You practiced the presence of the Lord last week. What about this week?
In his book Dry Bones Can Live Again, Robert Coleman reflects on the importance of staying close to God: “What we may fail to comprehend is that the fruits of revival can endure only as the conditions of revival are maintained. There must be spiritual openness to the Spirit’s direction. As He leads on to deeper truths in Christ, we must follow. Where we see a wrong deed or attitude in our own life, obedience to Christ demands that we confess our sin, forsake it, and by faith in the covenant of grace renew our dedication.”
Let me encourage you today to keep the fire of the Spirit burning in your heart. Don’t let the flame go out. As Paul reminded Timothy let me remind you:
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:6-7
Be faithful with the faith in God that you have received from Him. Give it away to your children and those who are in your sphere of influence. Then seek the Lord with all your heart to replenish what you have given away.
I am looking forward to a great day of worship on Sunday.
Joy in Jesus!
Pastor Mike
No comments:
Post a Comment