READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Every mother would love to be picture perfect! However, God reminds us that’s it’s all about HIM and despite our inadequacies and vulnerability He is using us and we can trust Him even when we are nowhere near perfect! God can speak peace in the middle of the storm!
Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be amid those things and still be calm in your heart.
Ps Sharon shared how they lost their eldest daughter to a brain stem glioma when she was 7 years old and yet experienced a divine exchange of rest and trust. Eventually God led Ps Sharon to set up her organisation GenBrave in 2021 to mentor and guide the next generation.
As parents and especially mothers, let us aim to raise the next generation in God’s way. Each of us is born into our generation for a purpose.
Why did God create generations?
- His throne is from generation to generation (Lamentations 5:19).
- His salvation and mercy are from generation to generation (Isaiah 51:8).
- His dominion is from generation to generation (Daniel 4:3).
- The plans of His heart are to all generations (Psalm 33:11).
- His renown endures through all generations (Psalm 102:12).
- His faithfulness is from generation to generation (Psalm 119:90).
Everything God does, He does for a purpose, and the generations are part of His perfect plan. As Billy Graham said, “Every generation is crucial, every generation is strategic.”
Generations are designed to be interdependent and through Scripture we find models of one generation impacting the next.
1.Timothy & Paul (2 Tim 1:5)
Timothy’s faith was nurtured by both grandmother and mother. Paul was able to build on this foundation. Young people should be willing to receive wisdom and counsel from older people. As Paul got older, he depended on Timothy to continue his legacy.
If we neglect to pass on the baton of faith, all that we have will die with us, our visions, and our dreams.
2. Ruth & Naomi (Ruth 1:16)
Here, one generation nurtures and cares for the other. Older people can mentor the younger ones instead of leaving it to social media.
That is what God is looking for. A lasting impact on the next generation, creating in them such a desire that they say, “Where you go, I go and your God will be my God.”
When older generations impact the younger, they create faith and vision, and become their heroes. Let’s cry out to God and start to make a difference.
3. David & Solomon (1 Kings 8:25)
Generational modelling can take place within the family in a mentoring, fathering relationship, or discipleship. Let our lives be an inspiration to our own children and other children.
One generation, showing the other the way and to secure the testimony of Jesus on the earth for the generation to come. Let the generation arise that will respect their fathers, seeking counsel and wisdom as they follow in their footsteps.
4. Samuel & Eli (1 Samuel 1 & 2)
A powerful illustration of how two generations living and serving God together, and how they need each other. Without Eli, Samuel did not recognize the voice of God, yet without Samuel, Eli might not have heard the message from God. They needed each other, it was redemptive for both.
The Wesley Methodist Congregation can start by being available to serve in Church with Children’s Ministry, BeTween Ministry or Youth Ministry. We are all custodians of the generations. The children belong to all of us. There is nothing in the Word of God that absolves us from responsibility to the children.
One generation can secure the destiny of the next generation by their acts of love and service. Acts 13:36 reminds us that we are all born to fulfil a purpose within our own generation.
(Sermon notes by Frances Lim)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- How has the Holy Spirit spoken to you through the preaching of God’s word?
- How would you summarise the message of this section or story?
- What are the implications for us through this message?
- What are the personal implications (for you)?
- What are the communal implications (for our gospel community)?
- What are the missional implications (for those we want to reach for Christ)?
