GENERATIONS

GENERATIONS!

Ps 71:17-18

17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. 18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.

           From my youth! The psalmist remembers the way God has guided him, protected him, and used him like a sharp instrument. He recalls the satisfying relationship he has had and still has with his Lord. But he senses his edge is becoming dull.

           Old and gray headed! Now the psalmist feels the approach of age. He has run his race swiftly and valiantly but now he looks for a younger and stronger one to whom he might pass the baton while he slows for a rest. He expects one like himself waiting to grasp that baton and sprint to the finish. But there is concern in his voice.

           Generations change! The generation we now see do not share our focus and has not accumulated our experiences or our wisdom. Worse, they do not seem interested in learning. He asks his God for continued strength to keep running because the expected relay partner was not at the appointed connecting point. He prays!

           He is focused on the next generation! He puts aside his disappointment in their youthful errors because he remembers his own. He asks God to let him become a mentor and to spend the last of his strength as a coach. He wants the next generation to know and experience God like he has. Only then will he feel at ease to stop and rest.

           Are you young? Look around and find your mentor. Likely there is one watching you. Are you old? Look around for a candidate and invest yourself in him or her.

Joel 1:3

3 Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.

Dear Lord, let me pour myself into a younger and stronger vessel. AMEN