Battle for a generation

Judges 2:10
When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel.

How is it that the younger generation did not know God nor experience His works? Is it possible to follow God faithfully as a nation and yet not as a family? Is it possible to invite God's power into our battle and ambitions and not our marriages and parenting? How did this happen to the nation of Israel? Had they grown calloused? Were they worn out? Had they taken God for granted? Were they lazy? Did they assume too much?
The battle for each generation is far more important than the battle for anything else in this world. We can't grow weary, lazy or calloused. We can't assume, take it for granted or leave it to others. Failure to pass on an intimate relationship with Christ is as detrimental to the family as is failure to drive out the Canaanites from the promised land. When we do not complete the task God has given us, we leave room fro the enemy to creep in and lead our families and nation away. We must take this battle for the next generation more seriously than any other battle - it is life and death.

Father - keep me alert to and strengthened for the battle for my children and the next generation. Fill me with Your Spirit and Your power to win this battle and bring young people into a saving and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Amen.