“And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.” – Judges 2:10
We aren’t born with detailed knowledge about God. We don’t automatically believe in Christ (or even know His name). Whether we realize it or not, we rely on people to tell us about God and point us to His Scripture. Certainly, we’re all born with eternity in our hearts, giving us an innate sense of something greater than ourselves. We also have the ability to look at nature and discern the existence and general nature of a Creator. However, we don’t naturally know anything more about God. We don’t automatically know about His will and His works. Somebody must tell us about God or point us to the Bible.
Throughout history, there have been times when God’s people failed to diligently tell their children and grandchildren about God. It began in the time of the judges, in the first generation after Joshua’s leadership. The results were disastrous! Idolatry, disobedience, immorality, and God’s judgment upon the land and His people.
It seems we may be in such a time today! Parents are tired, stressed out, focused on too many other good things. Kids are tired, stressed, and anxious. Too many don’t push through these barriers to teach the things of God. We must remember how quickly the knowledge of God can disappear from a people – it can happen in a single generation!
Though God’s Word will remain available, a failure of parents or grandparents to pass on the knowledge of God to the young can produce a generation unaware, unconcerned, and uninterested in the glorious truths of God. What young person in your life needs to know the Lord and the work He has done through Christ?