In a Single Generation
Posted by: forthrightmag <forthrightmag@...>
http://www.forthright.net
Going straight to the Cross
Randal translates a thought from Portuguese for
today's article. The article is based on a
daily Bible reading program in Brazil.
In a Single Generation
by J. Randal Matheny
"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" (Judges 2:10, NIV).
Judges is one of the Bible's saddest books. The
Lord had created the means for the Israelite
family and nation to remember his salvation of his
people and his constant goodness toward them. The
feasts, for example, served to remind them of
God's great acts in their favor. After Joshua's
generation died, however, the next one did not
know the Lord nor recognize what he had done for
the nation (see Judges 2:7).
This book traces the sad trajectory of Israel's
abandonment of God's plan. Her vision is short-
term. Her sin brings oppression; the people cry to
God; he saves them through a judge. But soon they
return to sinning. This is the tragic cycle of the
book (See Judges 2:10-19.)
How could the people, in a single generation,
forget the Lord? Though there are various
possibilities, we must recognize the lack of
teaching in Israel. The parents did not teach
their children.
Today, we cannot assume that others know the
Lord's will. We must beat the same drum of the
gospel, the plan of salvation, the model for the
church and for worshipping God.
For we are only a single generation away from
apostasy.