Deuteronomy 4:9, 25 - Generation Next

Just three months ago our first granddaughter was born; our first grandson is due to arrive in two months. I remember as a kid, seeing older men pulling out their wallets to show off photos of grandkids. I thought, "I'll do that someday!" I don't have any pictures in my wallet. But I have lots of photos and videos on my phone. Just ask and I'll show you!

In any case, I've been reading up on what the scriptures say about grandparenting.

Moses, in his final days, gave instructions to the Israelites who had grown up wandering the wilderness. They had seen God's judgment on sin, as well as His mercy and love, His provision and protection. They were about to enter the land promised to their forefather Abraham.

Moses warned them:
"But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren." (Deuteronomy 4:9, New Living Translation)

While parents have the primary responsibility for raising their children to know God, grandparents (and great grandparents) never retire from that same responsibility.

Influence goes beyond talk. We lead--or mislead--by example. Even in the final chapters of life, we can "go off the deep end," spiritually or otherwise. So Moses also cautioned:
"In the future, when you have children and grandchildren and have lived in the land a long time, do not corrupt yourselves by making idols of any kind. This is evil in the sight of the Lord your God and will arouse his anger." (Deuteronomy 4:25, NLT) 

Whether or not you have children or grandchildren, we all share a responsibility to influence the next generation--the next generations--to follow God.

Father, Some of us have grandchildren. Some don't... or at least not yet. Regardless, may our words and our lives guide the next generation to know You, "even the children not yet born—and they in turn will teach their own children." (Psalm 78:6, NLT) Amen.