The Next Generations Are Counting on You

Before Gabriel materialized suddenly in the Holy Place, Zechariah and Elizabeth must have wondered if they were the last God-fearing people in Israel. In Jerusalem, the priestly system was corrupt; the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes vied for every little scrap of power they could wrestle from Rome. The king was a madman, and the Lord seemed silent regarding world events. Four centuries had passed since Israel’s last inspired prophet—Malachi. Across the land, many Jews had abandoned their hopes for a coming Messiah.

But God is always raising up a new generation.

Yes, there have been many bleak eras in the story of the church. But there has never been a time when God didn’t have a group of true followers who spurned the world, defied the age, proclaimed His message, and stayed true to their Savior, sometimes to a martyr’s death. The same is true today. As bad as the world seems, there’s a new generation who are as zealous for Jesus Christ as any other in history.

It is wise for us to keep in mind that we are not the last generation of Jesus-followers on this planet. God is raising up a new group of teens and young adults who are bold, deep, passionate, and unafraid of living and dying for Christ. He will never leave Himself without zealous witnesses.

So let’s be part of it! Let’s commit our own children to the Lord and raise them following the example of Deuteronomy 6, loving God and His Word, and sharing naturally and conversationally day by day what God is showing us (Deuteronomy 6:4–9). Let’s take them to church and let them see us worshipping and loving the Lord.

Give your children and grandchildren Scripture verses for their walls. Share with them your own testimony. Volunteer for the children’s ministries at your church, and support organizations that are reaching children, teens, university students, and young adults.

Let’s promote Scripture memory and the singing of classic hymns along with more contemporary worship songs. And in all of this, let’s live joyfully, victoriously, in front of those we love, making our faith inviting to others.

Dear Jesus, I want to be part of raising up the next generations of those who will follow, love, serve, and glorify You. Lead me into opportunities to do so, I pray. Amen.

Was this plan helpful? We adapted this plan from God Hasn't Forgotten You: 24 Remarkable Ways God is Working In You and Through You by Robert J. Morgan. Check it out for more.