Judges chapter 1 reveals more failure than victory. Starting in verse 27 the phrase “did not drive out…” is repeated over and over. God gave a command, and it was not obeyed to completion.
The result?
Judges 2:10 ESV
[10] And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.
Generations lost because of the failure of fathers to get the job done.
Fathers paying lip service to YHWH and leaving the next generation to fend for themselves.
Fathers passively standing by while the spirit of this age discourages and consumes their wife and children.
Giving their strength to build their own kingdom, gain their own glory, and neglecting God’s Kingdom, the only one which will stand forever.
It’s painful to write those words, because they are autobiographical.
It took way too many years for me to submit to Christ’s Lordship, step out of the shadows, and endeavor to love by the strength of His Spirit, and not my own. I’ve still a long way to go.
The prodigal son come to his senses, the lost sheep that the Shepherd seeks after. We’ve read the stories and heard the sermons.
And been too proud to admit it was us, that it was me that was being talked about.
I can’t undo what has been done, but I can, by the grace of God and power of the Spirit, do what should have been done all along.
Love my wife as Christ loves the church. Raise my children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Love God with all my heart, soul and strength. Take up my cross daily and follow Him.
Godly generations don’t just happen.
In fact they most likely won’t, unless you and I do something about it.
We can’t change the past, we can only repent, rest in forgiveness, and move forward.
Let’s not waste another day.
