GENERATIONAL ISSUES!

Thursday, January 2, 2020

GENERATIONAL ISSUES!

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.

The Psalmist looks at three distinct periods of time. He remembers his youth as a time of learning. God taught him! Learning comes from the wisdom of those who have already grappled with the confusing issues of life. They have tried the new and sometimes ventured the ridiculous but finally settled on the sensible. It is wise to listen to them.

He mentions the middle part of life next. “Hitherto have I declared thy wonderous works.” A lifetime of application of lessons learned made him a teacher. Not grown but growing, he offers wisdom to others. Some of his lessons have been hard learned and he wishes his students to avoid the pain of experience. But we all know that experience and experiences is the best teachers.

The word translated "hope" in verse 14 means a long and patient waiting in spite of delays and disappointments. If we trust God, then the trials of life will work for us and not against us.

Now he is old and grayheaded. This condition arrives so slowly that we forget our hair was once dark and our skin smooth and supple. Our minds still propose adventures but our bodies reject those plans. Yet, there is much to give to the next generation – if they will listen.

2 Peter 3:18

18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Lord, your church should be a cooperative, multi-generational, family of believers. All should be learners and teachers and growers. Help me to show thy strength to this generation. AMEN