Psalms 78:6 “That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: 7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: 8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.”
The Word Of God is always the Standard, the Law, and the Requisite for our lives. If the behavior of our forefathers was not according to the Word Of God, then we must return to the Word Of God, and not follow in the paths of disobedient ancestors. Israel’s forefathers were “a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God”! The Lord would abundantly bless them and then they would slip away into gross carnality and even idolatry. Then, the Lord would send another nation to severely chasten them; the enemy’s army would fight with Israel and defeat them and then they would strip the Country of its crops and cattle and wealth. Then, Israel would repent and begin to seek the Commandments of the Lord, found in the Word Of God. This cycle continued until finally, it happened as described by Jeremiah: “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. 17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.” (Jeremiah 6:16-17). The Lord God Almighty responded this way, “Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it.” (Jeremiah 6:19). Finally, the Lord sent this message to Israel, “thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land” (Ezekiel 7:2). The result was that Jerusalem was destroyed, and many people were taken-away captive into Babylon (II Kings 25; II Chronicles 36). Seventy years later, they were permitted to return, but they never again regained the Ark of the Covenant, and they were perpetually under the authority of other nations. Lest we think that no such thing could happen to us, Paul wrote, “Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” (Romans 11:20-22)! Now, hear Paul’s Authoritative Exhortation: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)! Let us humbly and prayerfully take heed!