It's All One Story

Only the living can praise you as I do today.

Each generation tells of your faithfulness to the next.
 (Isaiah 38:19 NLT)

God is painting a vast mosaic, which depicts a magnificent story.  You and I are a part of this picture.  Though a tiny scene on this canvas, or a brief paragraph in the story, without them the narrative is incomplete.  Those of my generation, the Baby Boomers, need to run the last leg of the race and pass off the baton in a fashion that tells the story of God’s faithfulness to the emerging generation.

Why is it that we hear of rather prominent Christian leaders towards their lives losing their zeal?  They become apathetic and sometimes even cynical.  Is it because they have lost sight of the fact that their own little corner of the world is not the beginning or the end?  The story of redemption runs through the pages of the Bible from the start to the finish.  Each part of God’s revelation builds on the previous one; it’s all one story.   Jesus told us in John 4: 36-38 that those who sow and those who reap must rejoice together because we get the same reward.  Many in my generation may be transitioning to a consulting or supportive role. It may feel like that you have gone from a reaping back to a sowing mode.  Can we get behind the next generation with the same zeal and enthusiasm, which we pursued our ministries?  The answer to this question will reveal whether it was all about our plans rather than God’s eternal purposes.

My dear brothers and sisters, before we start to feel sorry for ourselves, consider this. You could be more productive in a collaborative role, though it may be behind the scenes.  Remember, the Apostle Paul spent a lot of time in prison or house arrest, which resulted in the writing of a significant part of the New Testament. Add to this that the greatest fulfillment does not come from the utilization of our gifts and callings, but hearing God say well done at the judgment seat of Christ. Then both those who sow and those who reap will get the same size trophy.  Let’s run to the finish line, rejoicing that God is going to do even greater things for those taking our place.  Remember, it’s all one story. 

Images used with permission by Microsoft.

Ken Barnes the author of “The Chicken Farm and Other Sacred Places”  YWAM Publishing
Email:  kenbarnes737@gmail.com
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