Passing the Light to the Next Generation
Text: Judges 2:1-15; Isaiah 60:1-3; Matthew 5:13-16; 2 Timothy 2:1-7
- Introduction
Man is often interested in the past hence the study of history at all levels (primary, secondary and tertiary) of educational institutions. It may surprise you to know that God is not interested in any man’s history, rather He is focused on the present and more importantly the future (Jeremiah 29:11-12; Luke 19:1-11; John 9:4). The Christian life is akin to a race (Hebrews 12:1) and this race is not just any race – not a sprint, but a relay race. God is not only concerned about how you and I run the race, He cares just as much about the runners after us who will take our baton and run the next lap- the runners of the next generation.
Some 35-40 years ago, when people of my vintage came into the Nigerian petroleum industry, we were in our early to late twenties but today we are retired from active marketplace rigors – having passed the retirement age of 60years. In another 20-30 years, those of you who are middle aged today would also be preparing to retire or might have retired. It is a fact that a lifetime truly flies away, however a responsibility of utmost importance that lies underneath such an obvious fact is the preparation of today’s youth generation to be the torchbearers of the spiritual light for humanity, especially the Nigerian petroleum industry.
In 1996 Olympics, USA was the clear favorite to win the 4x100m relay race because it had the best runners in the world, but USA lost to Canada because of an improper passing of the baton. If you have ever seen an actual relay race, you know how important it is to pass on the baton to the next runner carefully and smoothly. In fact, passing the baton carefully and smoothly is just as important as having runners that can run fast.
2. Dicussion
As a marketplace Christian organization, Petroleum Industry Christian Fellowship International (PICFI) is entrusted in the race to which Christ Jesus has called us to pass the light (baton of faith) from one generation to the next.
a. The goal of the race is to become more like Christ.
b. The baton is Christ at work in us and through us to the world, especially the marketplace.
c. The race is the process of becoming like the One we’re running toward, Jesus Christ.
Since our race is focused on Jesus and His work, we’d best turn to Him to ensure we understand His priorities. What is at the heart of this “work” He wants to do in us and through us? Fortunately, we don’t need to guess. Jesus told us in no unmistaken terms:
- Greatest Commandment: To love God with everything we are and to love our neighbour (Matthew 22:36-39). Love is the work of Christ – both in us and through us to the world.
- Great Commission: To make disciples of all nations and teaching them to obey everything Jesus has commanded us (Matthew 28:19-20)
And knowing that we can be slow learners, it’s fair to say that learning to love God is a lifelong process. Christ in us has a lot of work to do!
2.1 Warning Against Complacency
Let us take a critical look at two episodes in the Bible to examine the exchange of baton therein:
2.1.1 Third Generation Syndrome (Judges 2:7-8, 10)
a. Moses and Joshua
b. Joshua and the elders who
outlived him
c. The elders who outlived Joshua and those who followed them.
Moses handed over smoothly to Joshua (Deuteronomy 34:9, Joshua 441:7) while Joshua handed over smoothly to the elders who outlived him however the generation after the elders missed God completely. The first generation is holy; the second generation is religious; and the third generation is godless.
The cycle of success and failure is a generational phenomenon that sees the first generation marked by growth, the second generation characterized by entrenchment, and the third generation marked by decline. – this is frightening!!! God forbid, our younger colleagues could easily miss out on experiencing God the way we have unless we successfully pass on the light to them. The next generation may not only lose the race but even lose their own souls.
2.1.2 Hezekiah Syndrome (2 Kings 20:4-21)
Hezekiah was a good ruler who restored worship of God. The king of Babylon sends envoys, ostensibly to congratulate Hezekiah on his recovery from sickness and in his dim-witted pride showed off the national treasures. The envoys retumed to Babylon.
Isaiah asked for a report of the Babylonians’ visit. Hezekiah told Isaiah what he did. In response, Isaiah predicted the coming Babylonian captivity. “Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, “is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?” (2 Kings 20:19). This response betrayed both his pride and his myopia.
Despite all his zeal, there was, apparently, an absence of zeal for what happened after he passed off the scene. May we not be people who are unconcerned about the legacy we leave behind through temporal short- sightedness.
Manasseh Hezekiah’s son who was born during the 15 years of life elongation after his recovery, reigned after him and was described as the worst king in Israel (2 Kings 21:1-16).
2.2 Resolution to Pass the Light Judges 2:11-12
Do not underestimate peer pressure on the next generation, so be resolved to recognize and tackle it.
There are many Baals (money, position, fame, alcohol, etc.) out there today which sadly some Christian fathers engage in worshipping, and this puts pressure on the next generation – little wonder the tares – that is, cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches and the lusts of other things (Mark 4:19), choke the word out of them.
2.3 Practical Steps to Pass the Light
Pay attention to the young colleagues of various ages in your companies and around your places of business. Notice any deepening affections for God and His word manifesting in them (and/or through them). Keep your eyes open. As in a relay race, we have a responsibility to pass on the light and we can do it is at least three ways, namely:
2.3.1 Tell (Psalm 78:1-8)
Each generation has a responsibility to tell the next one about the goodness of God and to wam them of the mess that we make of life when we tum away hom God’s goodness.
2.3.2 Teach (1 Kings 12:25-14:20)
Unless we learn the lessons of history and teach… the next generation (Psalm 78:5-6) they will repeat the mistakes of the past. The book of Kings records the history of the people of God that the following generations may learn from them.
Sadly, the lessons we can learn from this passage are mainly negative. The account of Jeroboam is a terrifying one. He passed on a terrible legacy to the next generation. We may not worship golden calves but the same danger is just as evident today. As Pope Francis has said, “The most dangerous idol is our own selves when we want to occupy the place of God.” Jeroboam may have had many military, commercial and political achievements (1 Kings 14:19), and yet it seems these successes are irrelevant.
As Jesus said, ‘What good is it for you to gain the whole world, yet forfeit your soul?’ (Mark 8:36). What matters most is a close relationship with the living God and readiness to be creation created to execute good works.
2.3.3 Train (Acts 16:1-15)
Timothy was discipled, trained and taught by Paul. Paul was a mentor to Timothy. They are a great example what we all should be doing. Find a of Paul from whom you can learn and find a Timothy to whom you can pass it on.
Paul was older than Timothy and he described their friendship as being like that of a father and son (Philippians 2:22). Paul described Timothy as ‘my son whom I love’ (1 Corinthians 4:17).
It is not enough to hope that the Timothys’ are watching us. We must strategically train (position) younger disciples to have significant opportunities to lead. Paul bestowed on Timothy real responsibility. He could trust him because he knew him so well. Paul involved Timothy in the work right from the start.
3. Conclusion
In Petroleum Industry Christian Fellowship International (PICFI), the race to the future must begin today as we lead our younger colleagues either to the LORD and/or teaching them the way of the LORD – knowing Him, obeying Him and serving Him to preserve standards of the founding fathers.
Ever since, there have always been people in your life from whom you are learning and others to whom you passing on the light to the next are trying to pass it on. How are you passing on the light to the next generation? Have you identified the batons God’s given you to carry even (if they feel awkward) and how they fulfil either Greatest Commandment (to love) or the Great Commission (to make disciples) and/or both?
It is rare for the untrammeled, vigorous faith of parents to be handed down to succeeding generations. Without vigorous effort, institutions slide into mediocrity. It is necessary for each generation to return to the standards of the founding fathers if this slide is to be avoided.
Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set (Proverbs 22:28). Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless (Proverbs 23:10).
Being synopsis of a paper presented by Dr. Adeleke Adedipe – Chief Operating Officer LEKOIL Nigeria Limited at the Petroleum Industry Christian Fellowship International Prayer Conference in Port Harcourt Nigeria on 30 September 2018.
