Generations are flying by

Well, another new year has begun! It seems the years are flying by and, now, even generations, because I can recall my childhood and also have over 10 grandchildren. I remember during high school that teachers having their first child looked old, but now, even some teachers whose children are grown look like kids to me.

A generation is considered to be 20-30 years, the average time from birth to child-bearing. But that doesn’t fit Bible times because Abraham was 100 years when Isaac was born, and Isaac was 60 when Esau and Jacob were born (Genesis 21:5; 25:19-26). So, generations were a lot longer then when some people also lived a lot longer and started having children later (Genesis 5:1-32; 9:28; 25:7-8). One point that can be made about how generations were viewed, then compared to now, is they seem shorter now and fly by compared to ancient times, except in one case: the present generation.

While there’s nothing new under the sun, sin has reigned since the beginning and all have sinned and will continue to do so, Jesus described his generation as being wicked (Ecclesiastes 1:4-10; Romans 5:12-21; 3:23; 6:23; 1 John 1:8-10; Luke 11:29-32).

Jesus also said his current generation (“this generation”) will continue until he returns and the judgement takes place, which makes it the present generation (Matthew 24:23-35; 25:31-46). Peter, Paul, the Hebrews writer, and John called the present age the last days, latter times, and even the last hour when antichrists will come (Acts 2:17-21; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 1:1; 1 Peter 1:20; 1 John 2:18; 4:1-6).

We perceive worsening times, as prophesied, but I suspect that every generation since Jesus has thought the same and that his return was imminent because of the changes they also experienced in their lifetimes (2 Timothy: 3:1-6, 12-13; Matthew 24:3-14, 22; Romans 13:11-14; Philippians 2:12-15).

Like the ancients, all of God’s people are looking forward to Jesus’ return by living to please him, but it seems as though God is taking forever to send him back (Hebrews 11:13-16, 39-40; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Titus 2:11-14; 3 Peter 3:10-15; Matthew 24:36-51; Revelation 6:10). Others think Jesus’ return is still far off because they say the gospel hasn’t been preached throughout the world yet, although it has been since the beginning, and still others don’t think it will happen at all (Romans 1:18-20; Colossians 1:21-23; 2 Peter 3:1-9).

After the present generation ends, there won’t be any more generations, only eternity, because there’ll no longer be any sun, moon or stars to bring about day and night by which time can be measured (Genesis 1:14-19; Revelation 21:22-24; 22:1-5).

During this final, wicked generation, each person has an opportunity to call on the name of the Lord as he’s said and promised (Acts 2:21, 38-41; 22:16; 17:24-27; 3:19).

Have you made that call? The New Year is a time of new beginnings; why not call on the name of the Lord today (2 Corinthians 6:2; Revelation 22:17)?

Leonard Lauriault is a member of the Church of Christ in Logan who writes about faith for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at [email protected].