REMEMBER AND RECOUNT
After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things He had done for Israel.
Judges 2:10 (NLT)
You may not have made it all the way to Judges in your read through the Bible in a year plan. Allow me to give you some context. Because their failure to reflect on who God was and remember what He did is heartbreaking, but even more so when you consider all that happened. Moses is sent by God to free the Israelites from Egypt. There are ten plagues. Then God leads the people out of Egypt by a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire. God parts the Red Sea so His people can cross on dry ground, then uses it to crush their enemies. He provided both food and water in the desert—miraculous! God gives them the Ten Commandments and constantly fights on behalf of His people.
Then Moses gives way to Joshua as the leader. We then see the crossing of the Jordan River on dry ground, like the Red Sea 2.0. Next is the conquering of the most heavily fortified city in the area via a marching band. There's also a supernatural extension of a day that the Israelites might continue to fight and experience victory (see Joshua 12, which also tells us that the people of God ultimately defeated 31 kings and their armies).
God has brought them into the land He promised. And just when Joshua is about to die, he calls together all the leaders and challenges them to remember the faithfulness of God. They reaffirm their commitment to serve God and honor Him. In Joshua 24, we see Joshua actually recount many of the events I've just described. And the people promise to remain faithful.
Judges 2:8-9 record the death and burial of Joshua. Then we get Judges 2:10, which again tells us that a whole generation came along who failed to remember the mighty hand of God in their lives.
One of my greatest fears is that this would happen today. Elder brothers and sisters, may we REMEMBER and proclaim to the next generation the power of God. Younger brothers and sisters, may we be open to hearing our faith family TESTIFY about how God has moved on their behalf.
APPLICATION: Who are you sharing the glory and goodness of God with? If you can't immediately think of a few names, it's time to ask God to show you who! If you're not sitting under the wisdom and guidance of an elder believer who testifies to God's goodness in their life, then it's time to find someone!
PRAYER: God, may I never forget Your faithfulness. Help me proclaim it to the nations. Give me courage and conviction. And may the next generation be open to receive it. In the matchless name of Jesus, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?