Perspective
CONCERN FOR THE COMING GENERATIONS
Nelson Thomas Mumbai
The farewell addresses of Moses as well as Joshua are rich sources of instructions for a victorious life, especially for a new generation. Both, with deep concern for the future of their people, spoke in detail before they departed from the scene (Deut. 31ff; Jos. 23, 24). They were conscious of their imminent death and the importance of imparting valuable spiritual insights for a final time.
There are many more such exhortations found in the scripture by godly men in view of their departure. Paul’s talk with the Ephesian elders and the writings of Peter are noteworthy in this context (Acts 20:17ff; 2Peter 1:12–15).
But the classic passage, of course, is the upper room ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ (John 13ff). Knowing it was time for Him to depart, Lord Jesus shared precious truths with His disciples to prepare them to face the troublesome days ahead. His intercessory prayer in John 17 reveals how much He cares for His own even while He is in glory.
Do we have this concern for the next generation? Have we ever considered the condition of our children or followers after our departure? Any leader how great or smart he may be, must leave one day. It is wise to prepare the next generation accordingly.
Divine Concern
Such concern for the coming generations can be noticed in the heart of God Himself. Our Lord is the God of the generations. His promises and covenants were for perpetual generations (Gen. 9:12; 17:7; Exo. 3:15, etc.).
That is why He always insisted that leaders and parents should pass on His demands and commandments to the generations to come (Deut. 4:10; 6:6, 7; 11:9; Joel 1:3, etc.).
Even the memorial feasts like Passover and the heap of stones as monuments in Canaan were all intended to be a testimony to their children in the days to come (Exo. 12:14; 13:14; Lev. 23:43; Jos. 4:21, 22).
Indifference Illustrated
King Hezekiah’s view of the future of his people is the best example of the insensitive and selfish attitude of man. When the prophet Isaiah informs Hezekiah of the Babylonian invasion after his death, his response was, ‘Good... at least there will be peace and truth in my days’ (Isa. 39:8).
Is it not irresponsibility and a lack of concern towards the next generation? Isaiah was responding to Hezekiah’s foolishness. He showed all the treasures and possessions to the visiting Babylonian emissaries against God’s will (Isa. 39:4). Yet he was satisfied because during his lifetime, there would be no foreign invasion.
Even today, such leaders can be seen. They are shortsighted and self-centred. Their only concern is their own position and well-being; no thought whatsoever for those who follow them.
Such leaders never prepare the younger generation for the work of the Lord. They just hold on to their positions till their last breath.
Concern Displayed
Notice the 6 ways in which Joshua demonstrated his burden for the future of Israel.
- He stepped down in time for others to take over (Josh. 19:50; 23:1)
After conquering and dividing the land for the people of Israel, we understand he retired from active ministry. For around 20 long years, he lived in Mt. Ephraim without much involvement in the administrative matters.
It is strange to see many, even when too old and weak, refusing to allow the younger generation to take up the responsibilities. They may be sincere and zealous, but knowingly or unknowingly they are harming the future generation.
- He reminded the people of their past (Josh. 23:3, 14; 24:2–13)
In both farewell messages, Joshua begins by recalling their past. He emphasised four things:
- Their humble beginning (Josh. 24:2, 3).
- God’s mighty works for them (Josh. 23:3, 9; 24:7, 8)
- God’s gracious dealings with them (24:3–12).
- God’s gracious provisions for them (23:14b; 24:13).
Joshua wanted them never to forget these realities related to their past. Moses also did the same thing (Deut. 8:2, 11, 14, 18). Even God Himself called upon Judah to look back (Isa. 51:1, 2).
For it is this remembrance of the past that makes one humble, grateful, and confident before God. Also, such ones will be gracious and merciful to others, for they are conscious of the abundant grace received.
- He reiterated the divine requirements (24:14).
Soon after reminding them of the past, Joshua presents the most important demands from the Lord, “Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served….” (24:14).
Even earlier also through Moses, the Lord had instructed them to teach God’s Word to their children (Deut 6: 6–8; 11: 19, 20, etc.).
In Psalm 78, Asaph writes about his determination to pass on the divine truths he learnt from forefathers to the next generation. And his purpose is that they may continue to trust the Lord and walk in His ways and not be stubborn and rebellious. Further, they may also pass on to the coming generations (Psa. 78:2–8).
Consider our concern for the next generation in this aspect. What efforts have we taken to pass on our spiritual convictions and principles to our children? It is not enough to have a concern only for their secular life and progress, but let’s spend time, energy, and resources on their spiritual development too. Making every effort, we ought to place scripture in the heart and mind of the new generation.
- He urged them to make a clear decision (Jos. 24:15).
For the post-modern society, there is nothing absolute. Many prefer to take a neutral position on everything. But Joshua wanted them to choose then and there itself. Because knowing the Word is not enough; willingly and wholeheartedly, they need to yield to the truth of God’s Word.
Earlier, Moses also made a similar call, “Whoever is on the LORD’s side - come to me” (Exo. 32:26). It is not easy to come forward standing for the truth, but that is what God expects from His people; He will use only such for His purposes.
Remember, indecision is also a decision to follow something else. Do not simply assume our children will automatically follow the truth as the days go by.
Even among the leadership, there is a lack of conviction nowadays. Political correctness and popular perception compel them to stay neutral.
Such half-hearted commitment to the things of God is as good as a double standard and hypocrisy. God hates such a response to His Word. We ought to be clear and firm about the truth that we hold and stand for.
- He set a challenging example before the people (Jos. 24:15).
The burden for the next generation should prompt us to present the right pattern. Children pay attention to our lives more than what we say. Without being examples, all our efforts to teach go waste.
Paul often exhorted his followers to emulate him as he follows the Lord (1Cor. 4:16; 11:1; 1Thes. 1:6, etc.). Peter exhorts elders to lead by example (1Peter 5:3).
Remember, all of us tend to imitate people who are close to us. Any wrong example by the older generation will influence and lead the younger generation onto the wrong path. That is why Paul instructs the people of God to examine and shun the wrong influencers (Phil. 3:17, 17; 1Thess. 4:11, 14, etc.).
- He warned them against failure and consequences (Jos. 23:15, 16; 24:19–20).
Joshua did not hesitate to tell them about the outcome of repeated rebellion. Even when they promised to serve the Lord in response to his words, he continued to highlight their inherent weakness in obeying God absolutely (Josh. 24:18, 19).
Failed Generation
Even though the people of Israel confessed their commitment to follow the Lord at any cost and even made a covenant that day, (24:20–25), we see in the book of Judges a new generation who neither knew God nor His works (Judg. 2:10).
That means, despite Joshua’s concern and efforts, many others of the older generation failed miserably in fulfilling their duties towards the new generation. And the outcome of this failure is unfolded and recorded in the pages that follow.
Look at the present scenario among the people of God. A new generation is ignorant of even the basic Bible doctrines. Increased broken lives and families. Confused and complacent church members. Apathetic and indifferent leadership. The same scenario of the period of Judges, “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judg. 21:25b).
Is it not high time to examine our perspective for the coming generations, if the Lord tarries? Before too late, let us consider seriously how effectively we can influence and guide our next generation for the Lord! G&P
NTK
