Generation Next!

Working with people of all generations, it seems like many that are older do not like the younger bringing change. They feel disrespected, unappreciated, not needed, etc. They expect what has worked for them to continue to work from one generation to the next. This can cause alot of frustration leading into conflict ending with division.

So when the generations separate, the old doesn't get passed on, and the new doesn't get properly formed. One can not build without a foundation and a foundation has no significance unless built on. Each generation is to be the foundation for God to advance His kingdom. The old is preparing the way for the new, for History is bound to be repeated if not learned.

What worked for one generation will not necessarily work for the next we must constantly adjust with the times. It is not that something is no longer important, it is just in need of adjustment, it needs to shift with the times and what God is currently revealing to the church.

If we don't stay attuned with God from one season to the next, then revealed truth will now become traditions of men. Jesus is the Word but we must continue to abide in Him for His word to remain fresh. He is always revealing more, taking us from glory to glory, from one generation to the next. When we take His former revealed Word and refuse to listen to what He is currently revealing, legalism follows. His fresh manna becomes stale bread. What was once birthed in the spirit will end in the flesh. The Word will be added to or taken away from producing a mixed message, false doctrine, traditions of men which nullify the Word making it of no effect.

Jesus in Luke 5:33 was questioned about why his disciples didn't fast and pray regularly. Jesus responded that there was nothing wrong in these practices it just wasn't the time to observe them. It was a time of celebration for the bride-groom was with them. A time of fasting will be necessary again but this was not the time.

Jesus uses the illustration of a new piece of cloth patching an old garment, and new wine being poured into old wineskin to explain that if we hold onto traditions established in the past then like the Pharisees we may be blinded to the truth He is revealing currently.

It is what each generation discovers that prepares the way for the next, so we must learn from the generations that have gone before us while passing down to the generations following us, yet always growing as we remain teachable listening to God and what He is revealing to generation next and making adjustments accordingly.

We got to ask ourselves are we living on yesterday's obedience, and not today's? Have we lost our ear to hear because we refuse to adjust what we have heard to what He is currently trying to reveal to us?