Another Generation

     Judges chapter 2 records one of the darkest periods in ancient Israelite history.
Among the things stated is, "Moreover, that whole generation was gathered to their
ancestors, and another generation [Heb. aher dor] grew up after them, who did not
know Yahweh or the work that he had done for Israel.." (v.10) We are told in the
context that "the people (that is the previous generation, RD) worshiped Yahweh all
the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen
all the great work that Yahweh had done for Israel." (v.7) Apostasy became a reality
only one generation after the the faithful ones left the earthly scene. It is obvious that
somewhere along the way, there had been a breakdown in the transferal of religious
instruction from one generation to the next. The text says the previous generation
had seen Yahweh's great work for Israel. But the next generation "did not know
Yahweh or the work he had done for Israel." It seems the priests had failed in their
instructional duties. (Lev. 10:11) The festivals, memorials, and customs, designed to
pass on Israel's rich spiritual tradition had likely become just a formality.
(Deuteronomy 6:20-25) Moses had instructed the Israelites to teach their children
the fundamentals of the covenant (Deut. 6:4-9), but there was a lapse in teaching,
and the result was total rebellion, for which a great price was paid.

     It is important for us to remember that each generation must be taught all the
truth, on every subject, all over again. Truth is not genetically transferred through
DNA from one generation to the next, rather it is transferred by PTA (Parental
Teaching and Action). One of the most tragic notions so prevalent in our age is
the idea that because we know, believe, and love God's truth that our children
will likewise have the same attitude because they are our children. Our children
must be taught to believe, love, and obey God. Otherwise another generation
will grow up that does not know Yahweh and the great work he has performed
for spiritual Israel. Such would be the greatest possible travesty under the sun.
A generation that does not teach its children, will lose its children to false
religion. (cf. Josh. 4:6, 21-24)

     Parents must teach their children about God's will regarding purity of life.
(1 Pet. 2:14-16), marriage and divorce (Matthew 19:4-9), true worship (John 4:24;
Acts 2:42), monetary giving on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2), the Lord's
Supper (1 Cor. 11:20,23-26), singing praises to God (Col. 3:16), the uniqueness
of the Lord's assembly of people (Mat. 16:18; Eph. 4:4), the work, worship, and
organization of the local congregation (Phil. 4:14-16; Acts 20:7; Phil. 1:1),
the unity of the Godhead (Jno. 17:21-22), the necessity of immersion in order to
receive forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:21), the deity of Christ (Jno. 1:1),
the humanity of Christ (John 1:14), the personality of the Holy Spirit (Jno. 16:13),
the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Rom.8:9-11), the necessity of authority in religion
(Col. 3:17), the sinfulness of denominationalism (1 Cor. 1:10-15), distinguishing
matters of faith from matters of judgment (Rom. 14), and any other subjects of
equal importance.

     Another generation has risen in our midst. Many of our young preachers are
more familiar with the writings of "sweeter than honey" denominational authors
than they are with the writings of the apostles and prophets. Their sermons and
articles are often strong on moral principles but weak on enunciating distinct
doctrinal issues. The scriptures teach us to be strong on both moral principles and
doctrinal issues. (1 Timothy 4:11-16) Some young preachers allow elderships to
bridle them so that they can keep their "job," receive a paycheck, have a home,
and keep a sterling reputation instead of doing things the Lord's way and letting
the chips fall where they may. (2 Tim. 4:1-5) There are members in local
congregations who do not know the Bible as we once did; who do not believe
in the virgin conception and birth of Christ; or that the flood in Noah's day was
global; or that an unqualified eldership is not acceptable to God; or that the church
of Christ is not a denomination; or that the Holy Spirit is a person in the Godhead
and operates only through the word of truth in the conviction, conversion, and
sanctification of people; or that miracles are no longer performed through human
beings; or that people who die out of Christ are lost forever.

    In view of eternity, let us resolve to return to our ancient harbor of safety in
Christ, the only source of eternal redemption. Let's renew our commitment to speak
where the scriptures speak and to remain silent where the scriptures are silent; to
call bible things by bible names and to do bible things in bible ways. (1 Cor. 4:6;
Col. 3:17; 1 Pet. 4:11) Let none of us be afraid to acknowledge our sins, to turn
away from them, and to beg God for mercy and forgiveness, then rise from the
smoldering ashes of shame and defeat, and march ahead to the golden shores
of God. (1 John 1:5-10;Rom. 8:31,37)

     Let us do everything within our power  to teach this generation all it needs to
know about God and his authoritative, infallible, inerrant, and eternal word.

                                                                                                                RD

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