Prayer Journal
Monday, January 27, 2003
"Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation." Joel 1:3
Joel was one of the prophets, whose writing we call "minor." But his words resemble the dominant theme proclaimed by two other "major" prophets of whom you may be more familiar: Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Joel was one of eleven prophets living during the time God's people were divided into a southern and northern kingdom. The theme of their message was repentance and The Day of the Lord, a future time when God would take revenge on the nations who abused his people while establishing a righteous kingdom on earth.
Joel encouraged the people to make the lessons of their own past, a vivid memory for their children and grandchildren. All this so the last generation in captivity would remember the things that provoked God to anger in the first generation.
Today the pace of life has increased to the point that families don't spend a lot of time together. And the likelihood of married children and their children staying close to their parent's/grandparent's nest is rarer yet. Still, the only way a child will remember what God has done before them is if his parents and grandparents take time to instruct and train him.
The captivity of Judah and Israel lasted 210 to 325 years respectively. Psalm 90:10 tells us that we can expect to live 70 to 80 years. Today, some parents will live to see their grandchildren, but many do not. So, we should listen to Joel's words and make it a point to spend time with our family, teaching them the things God wants them and the next generation to remember.
Note that Joel's words are directed to parents, not children. If parents fail to remind their children of God's work in their life before they die, everything will be for naught. By that I mean: it's highly unlikely that one hundred years later, anyone will remember what God did in their generation.
You're teaching your kids about God's way aren't you?
Just Thinkin'... WebServant
Scripture comes
from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New
York International Bible Society
Copyright © 1998-2003
James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries - All Rights Reserved
I'll pray today for...
* My spouse
* My children
* Their friends
* My friends
* My employer
* My city
* My country
* Civic leaders
* Schools
* Teachers
* The sick
* The lost
* Those in despair
* The hospitalized
* The grieving
* Widows
* Orphans
* My church
* My pastor
* Church leaders
* Other churches
* Persecuted church
* Missionaries
* Myself
