“Now there arose a king over Egypt who did not know Joseph.” (Exodus 1:8) “Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had known all the works of the LORD which He had done for Israel.” (Joshua 24:31)
In both cases, it didn’t take all that long for the generation that had not experienced God’s power to “dwell carelessly” — to “cruise” as we would say. It’s much the same today as it was back then, in that although those who were in the 50s healing revival and the 70s charismatic renewal still serve the Lord and pray for a new move of the Holy Spirit, sadly, their numbers do not include those who grew up in the last one, yet never personally experienced its power.
It’s the same in secular life as it is in spiritual life. The current generation has not known war because professional soldiers have fought on their behalf. Today’s leaders are the offspring of the flower-power hippies of the 70s, the Woodstock generation. So, what would they know about self-sacrifice? Their parents were clueless, and they are too.
Preachers who have pandered to the ‘felt needs’ of the younger “me-generation” should not be surprised when “woke” members of their churches drift off as things get tough. How they will fare in much tougher times is anyone’s guess.
What should the Now Generation do? Seek God for the same power He gave to those whose lives were changed in past revivals! If you identify as a NOW Generation believer, ask the Lord to guide you to a church or home group meeting that teaches that Jesus Christ is the Lord, the Saviour, the Healer, the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, and the Soon-coming King.
Tough times are ahead, so NOW is the time to get real because those who fake it will not make it.