The Pivot Generation

Stephanie, Carter and Mckenzie returned to Atlanta this morning. I gave Carter two “Rockies” hats to take home with him. One for him, one for Mason. I hope that the brothers can get which one they will lay claim to settled without any major challenges! Then they need to decide when they can wear the hats in “Braves” country.  (picture of Carter and Mckenzie at airport – can’t see front of Carter’s hat) I rode with Stephanie to the airport and then drove home. That was my “long” test of driving a distance on the highways. It went well! It provides a sense of independence and normalcy to my life. My only challenge is making sure that I get in and out of the car and into any business or appointment that I might have.

I returned home and mowed the lawn which had grown over the last week while we were gone. It wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated. I also noticed that the strawberries are coming on strong in “Isla’s garden.” The garden Debbie’s mother was so known for may turn into a strawberry patch, if I am not able to return to some normal gardening activities next year.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  The people of Ephraim will be like mighty warriors. Their hearts will be glad as if they had some wine to drink.Their hearts will find joy in the Lord.”    Zechariah 10:7

When I read the verse above during my Bible time this morning it arrested my attention. As the prophet is telling of the future victories for God’s people returning from captivity he mentions specifically Ephraim as mighty warriors, rejoicing in victory, finding strength in the Lord.

The reason this verse is noteworthy is because a few hundred years earlier the Psalmist had this to say about the  tribe of Ephraim:  “The men of Ephraim, well-equipped with bows and arrows, turned and ran on the day of battle.” Psalm 78:9

One generation had the stain of “cowards” and “deserters” associated with their name. Now a new generation of the same tribe is known as victorious, mighty warriors.

The critical issue that I observe is that the downfall or characterization of one generation does not need to dictate the character of the next. But what is needed is for a generation to serve as the “pivot” generation and turn the course of history around.

We can observe that the compromises in one generation, become the accepted practice in the next, which become the downfall or bondage or at least characterization for the next. We see this in the history of Israel and the issue of idolatry. We can observe this in families today on various fronts.

However, by the same token. The spiritual commitment of one generation to live as Christ followers, can set a pattern and destiny for the generations that will follow. This requires a “pivot” generation to make a decision to reverse a trend or address a negative pattern. This requires a resolve that what has characterized a past generation doesn’t have to apply to me and my  children and grandchildren.

A godless heritage passed from one generation to the next can become a God-centered legacy of the next generation. An alcohol or substance abuse may be the heritage left by one generation; the next generation can leave a legacy of freedom in Christ. A family that has been characterized by tension, anger, fighting and even abuse in one generation can be a family of peace and love for the next.

One generation can be well equipped for victory and still run in the face of the enemy; the next can have the assurance that the Lord is on their side and experience a joyous triumph over the enemy that confronts them.

Perhaps God is calling you to be that “pivot” generation.