Judges 2:10b-12a “. . . another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel. Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served the Baals; and they forsook the Lord God. . .”

My family admits to being dressing-snobs, meaning we tend to turn their noses up at all Thanksgiving dressing and stuffing except our family’s own, unique recipe. I am at least a third generation dressing snob who raised a fourth generation of snobs, with a fifth generation emerging.

It is believed our Mama Watts crafted the recipe, but who knows. Perhaps she received it from a relative hanging high on our family tree. What we do know is if the generations to follow are to enjoy Mama Watts’ dressing, the intricate process of adding just the right amount of sage and balancing the ratio of cornbread to white bread must be handed down. Otherwise, the recipe will be lost and those coming after us will be destined to “take-out” stuffing.

Scripture speaks of passing down to the next generation something much more precious than a recipe. Throughout the life of Joshua, God’s loud voice and strong arm had been ever present. But following Joshua’s death, a new generation appeared who knew nothing of God, nor His mighty works and loving protection. Consider Israel’s epic failure when it came to teaching the next generation.

• They failed to share the story of creation, so the next generation knew nothing of God’s power and forethought.
• They never told of Noah, so there was no understanding of the importance of faithfulness to God.
• The story of the Tower of Babel was not uttered, so there was no awareness of how God detests prideful hearts.
• They never heard of Moses, the Egyptian bondage, the ten plagues, nor the parting of the Red Sea, so an understanding of God’s love and covenant fell by the wayside.
• They spoke nothing of Joseph’s unwavering faith in God, nor his generous forgiveness.
• They had no knowledge of Rahab who bore evidence of God’s desire to redeem broken lives.

Because of this, scripture records, “They did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel. . .They forsook the Lord God” (Judges 2:10).

Friend, if we fail to teach the next generation the stories of our holy, sovereign, and loving God, history will repeat itself. Then sadly, a new generation will rise who knows nothing of our Lord (nor how to make Mama Watts’ Thanksgiving dressing).

Father God may our faith run deep and may we share you through all the moments of our life.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane