“How sweet to hold a newborn baby/And feel the pride and joy it brings …” (Because He Lives)

I recently welcomed another newborn into my family, and just holding her reminded me, not just of the pride and joy, but also of my responsibility towards her. While she is this young, this vulnerable, I am to be her provider. I am to be her protector.

As children grow older, beyond their basic needs, our role as the ones who go before is to pave the way for them to succeed.

This is true for those of us who are biological parents – and it also applies to generations in church as a whole. One generation must spiritually parent the next. 

This is relevant to the Church today because we are a Church of many generations.

If you are in your 60s, 70s and 80s, you are part of a pioneering generation who saw an unprecedented era of exponential church growth for Christianity in Singapore, thanks to such events as the ’70s charismatic revival and the Billy Graham Crusade. 

You are the father figures of the Church today – the Abraham generation. Thank you for paving the way.

Those in your 30s, 40s and 50s would be the Isaac generation. We need your maturity and expertise to stabilise and spearhead the Church of today.

And those younger than 30 are the Jacob generation, finding your footing, growing in stature. You are the now and future leaders of the church.

That’s the intergenerational Church in Singapore – a Church of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, serving the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

It is our responsibility, but also the privilege, for each generation to pave the way to see the next generation succeed. Everything we do should be done in the hope that the next generation will succeed and, indeed, exceed whatever my generation is able to achieve for God. 

That’s our job and our joy, from one generation to the next.

Empowering the Joshuas and Solomons

There are many examples of such generational influence in the Bible, but in this limited time, let me draw your attention to two.

The first is the example of a Mentor – Moses, to his young charge Joshua.

In Deuteronomy 3:28, the Lord tells Moses: “Commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.”

If your generation can’t yet win the land for God, encourage and equip the next generation to do so. If one generation can’t win the land for Christ, then we must empower the next generation of Joshuas to do so in their time, in their way. 

Commission your next generation – then cheer them on.

The second example is of a Father – King David, to his son Solomon.

I know Solomon didn’t end well – but I want you to capture the heart that father David had for his son, Solomon, to not merely succeed him, but to exceed him.

In 1 Chronicles 22, God tells David that he won’t be the one rebuilding the Temple for God – but that privilege will instead go to his son, Solomon.

David doesn’t sulk. Instead, he channels his focus into having a total determination to help his son. 

Scripture says King David makes “extensive preparations” to help Solomon build the temple when his time comes. He sets aside gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, stone, workers and craftsmen. He instructs everyone to support the next King, Solomon. And he intercedes on his son’s behalf.

One generation doing whatever it takes to pave the way for the next generation to succeed.

Church, let this be our heart for the next generation – commission them to win the land for Jesus, and cheer them on! Encourage them, equip them and empower them to excel and exceed your generation’s accomplishments for God!

Let one generation stand on the shoulders of their fathers, and build on the foundations of their forefathers that the land may be won and God’s temple established.

Allow me to close by praying the prayer King David prayed over his son, Solomon. To the generations that are rising up, and those that are to come:

 “Now, my son, may the Lord be with you, and may you have success in building the house of the Lord your God. May the Lord give you insight and understanding so you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will prosper if you carefully observe His statutes and His judgements. Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid or dismayed.

“Rise up and work, and may the Lord be with you.”

 “Now dedicate your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God. Rise up and build the sanctuary of the Lord God.”

Amen.

Reflect

1. Who are the Abrahams, Isaacs and Jacobs in your life? How can you pray for them today?

2. Why is God’s heart so passionate for the next generation to know Him?

3. What is one thing God is leading you to begin doing to proclaim Him to the next generation? 

Pray

1. Are you an Abraham? Pray that God will use your every experience of His grace and every knowledge of His power to extend His Kingdom. Pray for wisdom to understand the context of Isaacs and Jacobs, and the ability to communicate God’s love in a way that resonates with them.

2. Are you an Isaac? Ask the Lord to ignite a deep passion within you for the salvation of both young and old. Pray for insight into ways you can partner both Abrahams and Jacobs to share God’s message of redemption and salvation in a way that transcends generational boundaries.

3. Are you a Jacob? Pray for the conviction to stand firm against cultural pressures as you “build the house of the Lord your God”. Pray for a godly purpose to proclaim His wondrous deeds and power. Ask for a greater manifestation of this passion in your life and in the lives of your peers.

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