THE LIGHT 98.5 Vanderhoof

Pastor Kevin Thompson explores three primary roles in marriage – friend, part...

“Never trust anyone over thirty,” said young environmentalist Jack Weinberg in 1964. His comment stereotyped an entire generation—something Weinberg later regretted. Looking back he said, “Something I said off the top of my head . . . became completely distorted and misunderstood.”

Have you heard disparaging comments aimed at millennials? Or vice versa? Ill thoughts directed from one generation toward another can cut both ways. Surely there’s a better way.

Although he was an excellent king, Hezekiah showed a lack of concern for another generation. When as a young man Hezekiah was struck with a terminal illness (2 Kings 20:1), he cried out to God for his life (vv. 2–3). God gave him fifteen more years (v. 6).

But when Hezekiah received the terrible news that his children would one day be taken captive, the royal tears were conspicuously absent (vv. 16–18). He thought, “Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?” (v. 19). It may have been that Hezekiah didn’t apply the passion he had for his own wellbeing to the next generation.

God calls us to a love that dares to cross the lines dividing us. The older generation needs the fresh idealism and creativity of the younger, who in turn can benefit from the wisdom and experience of their predecessors. This is no time for snarky memes and slogans but for thoughtful exchange of ideas. We’re in this together.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/110/29 3698 Art Armenta (Substance Abuse, Stealing, Selfishness) Art grew up in a religious home, but never knew that he could have a personal relationship with Jesus. He dropped out of high school and was in and out of prison until he met Stella and started a family. But the pull of drug and alcohol addiction followed him until he lost his job and was forced to recognize that his son was destined to imitate his harmful behavior unless he made a radical change in his life. A chance meeting with an old friend from high school brings him back to church where he has an encounter with his risen Savior.