ONE SAD VERSE
Today's reading: Judges 1-6

I was hoping for an encouraging and uplifting time in the Word this morning. I'm a little less than perky this morning, and needed some Scipture that would inspire and stir my heart. To tell the truth, I wanted something light-hearted and easy to 'digest'.

God had other plans.

I have come across, quite possibly, one of saddest verses in the Bible...

"After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel." Judges 2:10 NLT

Imagine having seen the mighty wall of water parted. Imagine tasting the first flake of manna. Imagine the seventh trip around Jericho. Imagine hearing for yourself the report of the Promised Land and seeing the cluster of grapes hanging between the two scouts.

Imagine having never been amazed and awed enough by it all to pass it on to your children. Imagine failing to tell your kids all the mighty works of God, works you'd seen with your own two eyes. Imagine not bothering to teach your children that Yahweh had provided, had sustained, had lead and had demanded wholehearted worship.

Imagine a grandchild not knowing the words to 'Jesus Loves Me'?

Imagine a niece or nephew of yours not knowing about the little man named Zaccheus who climbed a tree?

Imagine a child of yours not spending an eternity in heaven?

I guess God gave me just what I needed this morning. He's encouraged me with this sad verse to continue in each and every effort I'm making to raise my son in a Christian home. He has stirred my heart to invest more time and effort into this hugely important task. And as for something easy to 'digest'...He's put it pretty plainly in front of me--I cannot depend upon anyone other than myself to introduce Christ to my child.

It's worth every effort. It's worth every moment. It's worth every struggle Sunday morning and Wednesday night. It's worth it every time we pause to pray instead of rushing in to the meal. It's worth repeating...and repeating...and repeating!