Bridge from one era to another

Today’s passage serves as a repetition of the end of the Book of Joshua (Josh. 24:28-31), linking together the era of Joshua and the era of the judges. The era of Joshua was a time when the Israelites had a strong and devoted faith. In contrast, the era of the judges was a time of apostasy. Why did such a fall in faith occur? (1) The people of Joshua’s era (the first generation) walked faithfully with the Lord. Joshua died at the age of 110. (2) After Joshua’s death, there were elders in Israel who had witnessed the miraculous works of the Lord (the second generation). As long as these elders lived, the people of Israel remained faithful to the Lord. (3) However, as the second generation passed away and the third generation emerged, the Israelites began to walk in their own selfish ways. This was because they did not know the Lord nor His miraculous works. The way the third generation lived is the backdrop of the era described in the book of Judges.

Lessons to us

The third generation should have learned about the miraculous works of the Lord from the second generation. They should have had the knowledge. However, because that knowledge was not based on experience, they lacked the fear of the Lord and the power to reject idolatry. One cannot be saved, nor live life based on the parents’ faith. Each individual needs to personally know the Lord and experience His miracles. Now, let’s consider the following points: (1) Faith is not only intellectual knowledge but also experiential knowledge. Have you personally experienced the Lord? (2) Christians should be diligent in passing down their faith to the next generation. (3) Those who have been raised in Christian homes should not rely solely on that fact but should pray to personally know the Lord and experience His works. The Lord will surely bless your faith.