Generational God

When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold. Acts 7:31-32 KJV

When God revealed Himself to Moses, via the burning bush, it was very telling. God said, “I am the God of thy fathers,” and then listed Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his forbears. To the Western mind, we consider the individual as primary. And God does love the individual. However, the boundless expanse of God’s love cannot be contained to an individual. God’s love is ever flowing, and the Sovereign’s plan is always being perfectly executed. When God answers our prayers, we experience the love of our Father. But have you considered that it is not just about you? What if God, in answering your prayer, was really setting up success for future generations. Consider the God of thy fathers is also the God of thy children! The answered prayer of today is touching the sons and daughters of tomorrow.

In what would come to be known as “Mary’s Magnifcat,” the future mother of Jesus, captures this concept perfectly by her declaration in Luke 1:49-50 KJV, For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. Mary recognized God’s present activity in her life (done to me great things), but also acknowledged that God was simultaneously active in future generations (generation to generation).

When we go into our prayer times, go ahead, ask for your daily bread (God wants us to ask and He loves to provide for both your natural and supernatural needs), but be sure ask for the next generation(s) daily bread, too!

—Paul