One Generation to the Next

2 Kings 18:3-6: Hezekiah "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. 4 He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). 5 He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. 6 For he held fast to the Lord. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses."

2 Kings 21:11-12: “Because Manasseh king of Judah has committed these abominations and has done things more evil than all that the Amorites did, who were before him, and has made Judah also to sin with his idols, 12 therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing upon Jerusalem and Judah such disaster that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle."

Manasseh was Hezekiah's son and they could not be any more different. One generation following God faithfully and the next generation is seen to be the most sinful of all generations. Christianity is always one generation away from shipwreck. We are one lazy generation away from apostasy.

Hebrews 3:12-15: "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 15 As it is said, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.'"

Father, give us great concern for Christ and for our brothers. Give us hearts that love all those that are in Christ Jesus. As we prepare for what we call revival, Lord stir our hearts to reach out to others. Open our eyes to see and love those with evil unbelieving hearts. May we become people who value a brother's exhortation. May we become a people who love enough to exhort one another. Hold us fast so that we may hold our original confidence firm to the end. May our hearts flame with a love for You. May our eyes glisten with the truth of Jesus Christ. May our mouths speak the truth in love. May our hands serve all the days of our lives.

For Jesus
Amen