After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals.

Judges 2:10-11

In this verse, the old generation was the generation of Israelites that went into the promised land with Joshua as their leader. Eventually that generation passed on and a new generation came. The new generation did not know the Lord nor what He had done for the Israelites. So they did evil and did not serve the Lord.

Joshua’s generation served the Lord because they experienced first hand what the Lord had done for them (Joshua 24:31, Judges 2:7). They were a generation of faith.

While Moses was still with them, he reminded them to remember the things they saw and to keep the law in their hearts. They were commanded to teach these things to their children and to their children after them (Deuteronomy 4:9). Unfortunately, they were not able to teach the ways of the Lord to their children and their children’s children.

As Christians, we are called to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them the ways of the Lord (Matthew 28:18-20). This call starts with the members of your family, especially your own children. Children are not automatically born Christian, even if you baptize them at a young age, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

Like everyone else, your children must make the decision for themselves to believe and follow Jesus (Romans 10:9-10). Therefore, you must witness to your children so that they may be saved.

In an upcoming article, we will expand on how to teach and encourage your children in the ways of the Lord.

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Deutoronomy 4:9