In earlier times Phinehas son of Eleazar was the official in charge of the gatekeepers, and the LORD was with him.
I Chronicles 9:20
Our reading today continues with a list of genealogies and I laughed when I read the name Phineahas - In my house, I am the one that is always switching the channel to watch Phineas and and Ferb. I don't know exactly why? - I find it entertaining and good humor. So, if you stop by and ask, "Whatcha doooing?" I just might answer, "Watching Phineas and Ferb!"
Now back to my point. These lists of names represent generation after generation of Jewish lives. Just like the leaders of Judah and Israel recorded in 1 and 2 Kings, some individual people lived in obedience and love of the LORD, while others preferred the beliefs and cultures of their neighbors.
Just as being related to or descended from a faithful person didn't work to save Judah from punishment from the LORD, we cannot expect the same today.
Studies reveal that the Christian community is losing an entire generation. The "church" is trying to figure out how to respond and stop the trends. This in part is where I have a problem . . .
Research is currently placing the blame for the problem on the irrelevancy of the current church. The church is not responsive to young adults . . . The church is too judgemental for young adults . . . The church is too anachronistic for young adults . . . The music is not attracting young adults . . . The list goes on and on.
How about this one . . . being born to parents of faith will not automatically create a new generation of faithful followers.
We have long gotten this wrong and are now paying the price. It is not the sole responsibility of the church to teach the next generation faith.
Parents and church, wake up we are not born Christian.
We need to teach the next generation how to live a life a faith.
We need to teach the next generation what faith is.
We need to teach the next generation that faith matters.
With a generation lost and questioning, we need to stop pointing fingers and take responsibility.
Give and answer for your faith. Share your faith with someone else today.
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