“The anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia. And the people of Israel served Cushan-rishathaim eight years. But when the people of Israel cried out to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother” (Judges 3:8-9).
Have you ever noticed that in the years following Moses, Israel was lead by a succession of leaders who knew each other? Joshua knew Moses. Caleb knew Joshua. And Othniel knew Caleb. After this point, Israel was led by a judges who, mostly, did not know one another.
Leaders who love the Lord and are familiar with one another are an important part of passing on what we know from one generation to the next. It’s almost like a dynasty of people continuing godly leadership. But after a while, things begin to falter. Beginning with Othniel, things began to go sour, until he stepped up to save his people.
Can you trace a lineage of godliness in your heritage? Or perhaps you are the first of such a lineage. Your testimony in Christ may have a long impact, like Moses, whose testimony lasted four generations until Othniel.
Memory Verse
“He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children” (Psalm 78:5-6).
Application
You can establish a lineage of family who know the Lord by passing on what you know to the next generation. Be intentional with your children and grandchildren that they might know the Lord and carry on your testimony to the generations after them.
