Recently I led a group of men through a study of Psalm 71 on “What do you hope for and what do you live for?”The Psalmist prays: “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come” (71:18).
One of his main objectives in his older years was to ensure that the baton of faith gets securely into the hands and hearts of the next generation. He thought long and hard about how best to serve the generations coming behind. He was committed to discipleship and mentoring.
Matthew Henry, the old Presbyterian commentator, writes:
It is a debt which the old disciples of Christ owe to the succeeding generations to leave behind them a solemn testimony to the power, pleasure, and advantage of knowing Jesus Christ and the truth of God’s promises.
So, what will it be for you? How do you think the Lord would have you finish this verse?
“So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I . . . “
…I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.
… I care for the widows and single moms in our midst;
… I have personally mentored and discipled one other young man or woman to faithfully fulfill God’s purpose for their lives;
… I have written the missionaries that we support every month for a year;
… I personally share the gospel with my grandchildren;
… abortion is stopped in our land;
… God’s sanctuary is full of worshippers.
… my prayers are answered in seeing a great awakening in our land and a great harvest of souls gathered in for the glory of Christ.
Why not give some thought to this important question? What do you truly and really value? Is it what you say you value? John Maxwell’s words prove true in my experience: “You can teach your kids what you know, but you reproduce who you are.”
What would the Lord have you do to pass on your values to the generations that are coming behind?
2Cherish2Commend 