Generation

<<age bracket>>

Often there are deteriorating standards (especially in morals) with each succeeding generation. A generation reckoned to be about 30 years. “Another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what He had done for Israel…they quickly turned from the way in which their fathers had walked” (Jdg 2:10,17). The Lord’s sovereign miracle power

Am I compromising the values handed down to me?

is dissipated quickly unless there is a continuing obedience and blessings are actively passed on from the older to younger people. It is the responsibility of the older family members to pass their Christian heritage on down through the family line for this will not happen without deliberate effort. As this God framework is not automatically instilled in young lives it must be established as Biblical truths are lived out and verbally shared (Deut 6:6-9,20-25, 11:18-20; Josh 4:21-24). Consistent teaching and instruction is required to lay a solid foundation. As the consequences of the parent’s sin will be borne by several following generations (generational curses) don’t give cause for your descendants to accuse you of blighting their lives (Ex 20:4,5, 34:7; Num 32:13).

Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place" (Mt 24:34; Mk 13:30; Lk 21:32). While some of the things He spoke about in that conversation did occur during the lifetime of His listeners (the most notable being the destruction of the temple in 70 AD, less than 40 years later), many other specific indicators did not (Mt 24:1ff; Mk 13:1ff; Lk 21:5ff. The "all these things" Jesus had been speaking about relate to the particular last days events such as the gospel being preached to all nations, the rise of the antichrist, extreme tribulation and even with "the sun, moon and stars being shaken"; although earthquakes and wars are mentioned these are unfortunately a common occurrence over world history. Increased hostility towards Israel and the advances towards an oppressive one-world government are also possible signs, however we are to be discerning and while not interpreting any singular event in isolation as a clear indicator of the soon arrival of the end times, we can see various events emerging and converging. The "this generation" is understood to be the generation that sees the start of the signs of the end, will also see the end of the world as we know it – these events will take place quickly, within the time frame of a generation.

Peter draws from the OT Scriptures to reveal the extraordinary spiritual riches that Christians possess in Jesus Christ when he wrote, "You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light" (Ex 19:6; Isa 43:20,21;

Am I living conscious I'm part of this chosen generation?

1 Pet 2:9). God's chosen people are now not just the Hebrews, but embraces believers, both Jews and Gentiles chosen to be recipients of His unmerited grace and favour to belong to Him.

The perceived generational gap is the lack of understanding of attitudes, opinions, beliefs and values between older and younger people – frequently children, parents and grandparents. Society often segregates the different groups, which is not healthy. Intermixing relationships should be fostered to bridge this divide as the older people have life-experiences and wisdom that the younger folk would do well to learn from, and in turn the youth keep the senior members young in heart. Everyone should form strong links across the spectrum of ages.