Through the Ages

For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting
and His faithfulness is to all generations. Psalm 100: 5 (NASB

 

Series: Perfected in Unity

Baking homemade bread, the delightful smell wafting through my house, was a dream of mine. Not a loaf from a bread machine—but from scratch—start to finish. My delay for not pursuing it? I was nervous about putting the yeast in “lukewarm” water. It sounds so silly when I type it out, but I froze at step one. How hard could this be, after all?

Over this past week, I had the pleasure of hosting one of my special Aunt and Uncle’s for a few days in my home. My Auntie is the queen of everything in the kitchen. She has always prepared the most delicious meals, soups, and yes, you guessed it – home-made breads! I mentioned to her I wanted to learn and before my eyes my kitchen turned into the “Great (well, somewhat great) Baking Show” for about 48 hours.

For those curious souls, our bread turned out wonderfully, but the time shared was the true treasure. Stop and think about the last time you got to spend time with a family member or friend who was a little older or younger than you. What did you do? What did you learn? How did you feel? We rarely think about how good it is when different generations unite and accomplish something together. Baking bread might seem like a simple task to some, but I now have the confidence to fly solo. All because my Aunt took the time to teach me, help me, and encourage me.

In scripture, we find many passages expressing the value of different generations spending time with each other, sharing experiences, telling of the wonderful things God has done in our lives. When we unify through Christ, blessings come.

Proverbs 1:5 (NLT) says:

“Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance.”

In this verse, we learn the importance of gaining wisdom and being teachable. We never stop learning, no matter our age. Old and young alike have much knowledge to instill in one another and much to discover from each other. It is when we focus too much on our differences, or the age gap, we miss out on opportunities to nurture and grow relationships right in front of us.

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts;  let them proclaim your power. (Psalm 145:4 NLT)

We are all called to tell younger generations about the power of our mighty God. About the miracles Jesus performed, and the wonders we have witnessed and experienced in our own lives. We cannot do this when we separate ourselves from the older and younger generations. Our pride of knowledge or need to be “right” must not be used to push others away. Instead, let wisdom given from God lead us to gather, to learn from and understand one another.

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus teaches us:

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Making disciples (of all generations) requires time spent together in God’s word. Teaching younger people to observe what Jesus has commanded us requires humility, love, and grace. The reminder from Jesus that He is always with us should give us courage, confidence and the desire to share His love and give mercy as He does. Jesus called the little children close to Him, as well as the older members of the towns He visited. How beautiful for us to have the privilege of being an example to others as Jesus was to us.

Let’s remember the significance of unity among our generations. May we always be building one another up, pulling others in, and lifting the name of Jesus above all else. Ask Him to bring you someone who needs your story, your excitement, your recipe, and watch the blessings flow through the ages.

Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen

 

Scripture References: Psalm 100:5, 145:4; Proverbs 1:5, 27:17; Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:1