IT SEEMS WE MAY be approaching the time when “the full number of the Gentiles has come in . ” (Rom. 11:25) The chairs in the traditional churches of Jesus in the first-world countries have become more and more empty, year by year, even as the bloat in the prosperity preachers’ of ‘word of faith’ houses of worship draws crowds; that false gospel narrative is a great deception spreading across the globe.
It is a burgeoning time of false Christs, and Jesus’ warning from long ago comes into sharp focus, “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time.” (Matt. 24:24-25) And Paul warns us, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.” (1 Tim. 4:1-2) Apostasy—the abandonment of belief—has become an undeniable fact in the face of this evidence. It seems evident that our generation has failed the generations that followed us.
If indeed our generation has failed in its responsibility to those who come after, let us not be found among those who do not speak of the hope of the gospel. Instead we will encourage those of us who are a remnant to be found steadfast in our generation. “Let us consider,” says the bible, “how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb. 10:24-25) Let us seek God’s word to guide us, and through us, the next generation available to us—not in a generic sense, but in the real context of family, friends, and neighbors.
For such inspiration and commitment of force of will we reach back in time to the Psalmist, here, probably King David himself. He, thinking of such things in his own life and generation, begins by praising God as his source of faith, safety, and wisdom. “In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go.” (Psa. 71:1, 3) He appeals to his own steadfast faith across a long life from youth and into old age, as well as to God’s covenant-faithfulness. “For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.” (Psa. 71:5) His plaint becomes clear; he is aged now, and his energies are waning as his life-force begins to dim; he implores God “Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” (Psa. 71:9) He reminds God again, from his own perspective, of their long and faithful relationship. It is a relationship that has strengthened him throughout his service to his God. “Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.” (Psa. 71:17) He has long-known these facts; they have driven him on a mission for God all the days of his life. But his years are few now, and he asks God for even more strength—strength that can only come from God, since he himself has entered a time when there is very little strength left. “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” (Psa. 71:18)
And note something incredibly significant. Here in the O.T. there is a well-developed perspective of eternal life lived in faithfulness to God, as David concludes, “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.” (Psa. 71:20)
The eternal truth of God works powerfully in and through all of us. Paul affirms this, saying “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” (2 Cor. 5:14-15)
So we refuse to give up. His truth is our truth. He is God, and he is our God. This is the message we have been given—as Moses said, “Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.” (Deut. 4:39) Moses’s God is known to us as Jesus, and of him, Paul says “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” (Col. 1:15) And God’s will is made known to us by Jesus, “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Col. 1:19-20 )
This is what was made known to us by our ancestors in the faith in our previous generation of the faithful. And we would do well to be obedient to our own obligation to the next generation. A different Psalmist, perhaps, in yet another psalm, reminds us of our obligation, inherent in our organic relationship to God, to those who come after us. “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.” (Psa. 145:4) But it is Paul who raises the standard of conduct for our mission in our time. In his time, but “for such a time as this” (Est. 4:14), Paul says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” (Rom. 1:16-17)
This is the thrust of the message we continue to adhere to, and in our generation to make known as prophetically-fulfilled testimony through our own witness; and we pray it be bold. It is again Paul who encourages us. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Eph. 3:20-21) And Paul also reminds, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Gal. 6:9-10)
The greatest good we will ever do in our lifetime is to share the gospel of eternal life with the next generation.
Q. What will our own children say is the most valuable thing they received as an inheritance from us?
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