Scripture - Judg. 2:10 10After 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.
Observation - as the author of Judges accounts for the possession of Canaan under the rule of Joshua, he mentions the end of Joshua's life and quickly summarizes the next generations development in the words, "they grew up, and neither knew the Lord nor what he had done." Though their very existence and placement was the direct result of the supernatural work of God, they were oblivious to his involvement or the great destiny He had for them. Somehow, they were not involved or taught of those events, nor were they trained to include the Lord in everyday living. Israel was in great danger of forgetting the God who had breathed them into existence. Not only was he not apart of the big things that happened in their world, He wasn't involved in the common things either.
Application - As parents, grandparents and leaders of this generation, we have a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to raise our children in a way that the Lord can be involved in practical ways in their daily routine. It can be so simply done. For example, the family needs a new car. That need is shared with the children. The family spends time praying about the new car they are looking for on a daily basis. The car is purchased and bought, and then together the family thanks God for the car that he has provided. "Washing the car that God gave us" in the future is becomes an act of appreciation and thanksgiving. Too many parents run off without including kids in that process and miss great teaching opportunity. These moments reveal the hand of God, his involvement in our lives, which ultimately leads to his greater purposes that unfold over time. The Israelite generation that grew up neither knowing the Lord nor what He had done. Our following generations can know him and can account for what he has done by us including them in the process. This will provide a much greater foundation as they arrive into their own Canaan Land and attempt to figure out how they will take their land!
Prayer - Lord, give us wisdom and insight as how to teach people your faithfulness by including them in on the process of seeing you at work!
