“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” – 2Timothy 2:2(KJV)
Here, Paul admonished his son Timothy who he has mentored over the years to endeavour to raise others so that the teachings and values of the kingdom could be preserved from one generation to another. He gave a blue print for trans-generational impact, this is God’s pattern. The works of God span from one generation to another. Like a relay race, one generation passes the baton of influence and godly leadership to another. This is how the gospel has been preserved despite the various attempts from the devil and his agents to hinder it. Jesus raised disciples first to be with him so he can impact them with his life, values and mission. He left them with the great commission to reach their generation and transmit the gospel to the next generation. Today, we are products of that great impact.
The cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1) speaks of the preceding generation now watching from heaven’s balcony. The precious heritage of the fathers of faith need to be preserved and the values of godliness transferred to the next generation. Today, it is our responsibility to raise tomorrow leaders who will continue from where we stop.
Where this values and Christian culture are not preserved, the tendencies are there that the next generation might drift from the godly heritage leaving the church with the sons of Eli who have lost every sense of godliness. A generation gap occurred after the death of Joshua and his generation that out lived him, there arose another generation that knew not the Lord nor yet the works which he had done for Israel (Judges 2:10).
Paul’s influence and impact far outlived him cutting across several generations. Paul –Timothy—Faithful men—Others. This is the result of discipleship and mentoring not just membership who are not trained to take responsibility. The church today seem to be more concerned with gathering members instead of raising disciples.
Prayer: Oh lord, grant that our works and impact will continue to speak long after we have left this planet earth in Jesus name.
Rev. Vincent Diolu