Space will not allow me to expand thoroughly on the details of this text. However, this passage of Scripture reveals a principle that seems to impact our present-day need of God’s supply of young men to His work. It convicts this father and could be a factor in the shortage of young preachers and missionaries today.
God still calls young men. They heed the call and faithfully serve where God leads. Fathers are not the ones who do the calling. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, He works in the hearts of these young men. It is a question in my mind if some of these same conditions mentioned in the passage partially account for the shrinking numbers of young men and women hearing the call of God today.
The psalmist, inspired by God, paints a sad picture and gives some clear instructions to fathers. He reminds them that God gave the law, and the testimony has been established. God wants the next generation to hear the declaration of not only God’s law but also His boundless and marvelous works. He delivered His people from bondage in Egypt. He showed His power over nature and miraculously divided the Red Sea. He allowed His people to cross on dry ground and escape the enemy. He supplied a band of millions of people through the wilderness with food and water from a rock. He delegated the fathers to pass these blessings on to the sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons. The desire and the goal of God is that these sons “set their hope in God and not forget the works of God and keep His commandments.” Thank God for good training and the records of godly and influential preachers of the past and present. But the hope and source of leading are of God. The Biblical record shows God’s desire for us to know His works, clear leading, and power.
Sadly, verse 8 says God could not recommend the example of the fathers because the fathers were “a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God.” He continues in verse 10 to say they “kept not the covenant of God and refused to walk in his law.” The charges get even more severe in the following verses. Verse 41 states that they turned back and tempted God. God was “wroth.”
As fathers, may God help us make much of the mighty and wonderful works of GOD to our sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons and do our part of producing a generation of servants and soldiers for the work of our Lord. God help us not only to tell, but also to live the example that they may set their hope in God, be faithful to the Word, and to their calling.
If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.