~Darene Cole
Judges 2:7, 10-11 shows us a sobering picture of what happens when one generation fails to faithfully teach the next generation about the Lord. During Joshua’s lifetime and the years of the elders who served alongside him, the people remained faithful because they had personally witnessed the mighty works of God. They had seen His power, His provision, and His faithfulness with their own eyes.
But after that generation passed away, Scripture says, “there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.” Soon after, the people turned away from God and began serving idols.
This is heartbreaking because God had already warned and instructed His people in the book of Deuteronomy: He commanded them not only to keep His Word in their own hearts, but also to diligently teach it to their children:
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
God knew the importance of this command. As the Israelites entered the Promised Land, they would be surrounded by nations devoted to idol worship and ungodly practices. The survival of their faith would depend on whether they remained rooted in God’s Word and whether they intentionally passed down the knowledge of God to the next generation.
As New Testament believers, we have the incredible blessing of the Holy Spirit living within us. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would remind us of all that He has taught us. Yet, we cannot be reminded of truths we have never taken the time to learn. This is why spending time in God’s Word is so important. As we read, study, and meditate on Scripture, the Holy Spirit brings those truths back to remembrance in the moments we need them most.
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Word and for the Holy Spirit who teaches and reminds us of Your truth. Forgive me for the times I have neglected Your Word or failed to share Your goodness with others. Help me to be diligent in knowing You deeply and faithfully teaching the next generation about who You are and the mighty works of Your hands. Give me a heart that delights in Your Word so that Your truth may remain rooted within me. May my life point others to You and help raise up a generation that knows, loves, and follows You wholeheartedly. Amen.