A Time For All Generations

by Dr. Ron Hamilton, Conference Minister

(Excerpts from the annual meeting message)

We had a wonderful annual meeting in Providence, Rhode Island last month. The Local Arrangements Committee did a wonderful job of welcoming us to New England. The theme for the gathering was “For Every Generation.”

Let’s admit it! There are times when we have a difficult time communicating with a person from another generation group. We don’t understand where their priorities and passions are, and are not sure that we can work with them in any way.

There is one thing that all generational groups have in common: TODAY! This day is a gift from God, full of potential to discover His work in new ways and serve Him fully using our gifts and talents. It’s fun to reflect on the todays of yesterday. I fondly remember stories that my dad told me about his father who died before I was born. It’s also important to dream about the todays of tomorrow, whether it be plans to be made or eternity with Jesus. But none of this should distract us from the opportunities of TODAY.

The writer of Hebrews tells us,

    God again set a certain day, calling it Today. (Hebrew 4:7)

He reminds his readers about the Sabbath rest that is promised by God. In doing so, he speaks about the “wilderness generation” that missed out on God’s best and was forbidden to enter the Land of Promise. He also spoke to his contemporaries about not missing out on God’s best. This Scripture speaks to us about making the most of TODAY!

We are encouraged to have open minds to God’s Word and humble hearts to serve the Lord.

    Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. (Hebrews 4:7)

There is an assumption made in this teaching — that God speaks and people listen. Who would not listen to the voice of God? The Israelites didn’t listen. They were grumbling and ungrateful. They were steeped in tradition. They got caught up in sin and open rebellion against God. And we do the same. God is calling us to be humble with a repentant spirit each day.

We are also encouraged to actively pursue God through the study of His word and through prayer. Hebrews 4:12–13 reminds us of the power of the Word to transform our lives. It speaks of people who not only get into God’s Word, but allow God’s Word to get into them. Hebrews 4:14–16 welcomes believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence so that they receive the help they need in their lives.

No matter what generation we identify with us, we all share TODAY! God’s work in the CCCC today comes as a result of people humbly seeking after God’s will and obeying Him as revealed in His Word and in prayer. I encourage you to make the most of TODAY!