Week 17: The ones who seek His face

"Devotional Readings Focused on Psalm 24, 101, 145, and 100 – A Call to Faithfulness in Our Generation"

Meditation on Legacy

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Many of us have family members who stand out for various reasons. Perhaps one of your ancestors played a significant role in history or excelled in their career. Others may be memorable for their unique quirks! However, the true remarkable figures are those patriarchs and matriarchs who leave a profound spiritual legacy for future generations.

When I met my husband Jack, I learned about his family’s heritage, and one name consistently emerged—Grandpa Oliver Key. Although no one outside Jack’s family would recognize him, he was neither famous nor wealthy. What he bequeathed was much more valuable: his unwavering faith.

Oliver and Martha Ann Key

The Impact of Faithful Generations

Everyone in the family felt comfortable approaching Oliver with their troubles. He always pointed them to Jesus. As a lay pastor, Oliver knew his Bible well. Conversations with him were rich with wisdom drawn from the scriptures he had studied and memorized. His grandchildren cherished their time with him, knowing he would always spare a moment for a long walk or a good chat, often followed by a stop at the ice cream shop for a sweet treat.

Oliver provided stability, especially during difficult times. For my mother-in-law, he was a critical support during her parents’ divorce. Grandma and Grandpa Key managed to keep the family united, even though not all their children adhered to their Christian faith. Nonetheless, the entire family remembers Oliver’s faithfulness and unwavering love for God. Just a week before his passing, hospital staff reported that every night, Oliver climbed out of bed to kneel and pray for his children and grandchildren.

Inspiration for Future Generations

I believe Oliver's prayers reached far beyond his immediate family. My husband is now a military chaplain, inspired by the stories of his great-grandfather. Great Grandpa Oliver’s legacy thrives not through wealth or possessions but through the example he set and the inspiration he provided. As my mother-in-law articulately stated, “He had more to pass on to me than the richest person on earth could have ever done.” That's a legacy worth pursuing.

Each of us can attain a similar legacy if we strive to be a generation that seeks God. It's not a prerequisite for those before us to seek God, nor does it ensure that those who follow will. Some of Oliver's children veered from their faith, yet the prayers he offered for his grandchildren continue to bear fruit in successive generations.

Faithfulness in Our Generation

Grandpa Oliver Key's example teaches us a vital lesson: occasionally, a generation emerges that stands taller and stronger than others. This generation can shift their family’s focus towards God and goodness. Regardless of the choices of those before or after us, we must make the decision to follow the Lord because our choices do matter. And so do yours.

That choice confronts us today, much like the decision Joshua put forth to the Israelites near the Jordan River:

"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you,

then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,

whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River,

or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living.

But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

—Joshua 24:15, NIV

What will you choose? Will your generation focus solely on material wealth, family vacations, spoiling grandchildren, and long life? There’s nothing wrong with these aspirations, but I believe our objectives should extend beyond that. My husband, Jack, and I aspire to be known as the generation that followed God steadfastly through every season, affirming His faithfulness and love to all generations.

Building Faithfulness in Our Lives

This week, I encourage you to compile a list of attributes essential to a faithful generation while reflecting on the scripture passages below. This method of close reading allows us to grasp what God conveys about faithfulness through His Word. Moreover, it provides a checklist to evaluate our Christian practices, helping us identify areas that require improvement and those where we excel.

If you discover an insightful attribute of a faithful generation, please share it in the comments. I would love to start a conversation about what God is revealing to us!

Readings and Reflection Questions

Monday's Reading: Psalm 24

Starting in verse three, create a list of characteristics of a woman who seeks God in her generation.

Tuesday's Reading: 2 Samuel 6:12-23

This passage recounts the occasion when David wrote Psalm 24 to celebrate. What stood out to you about how David celebrated? How did his wife, Michal, respond to his enthusiasm? What was the outcome of her attitude?

Wednesday's Reading: Psalm 101

Continue adding to your list of characteristics of a woman who seeks God, as found in this Psalm.

Thursday's Reading: Psalm 145

Keep expanding your list with characteristics of a woman who seeks God from this Psalm. Review your list from Psalms 24, 101, and 145. What practical steps can you take to embody these characteristics within your family?

Friday's Reading: Joshua 24:1-31

In this passage, Joshua offers evidence of God's faithfulness before urging the Israelites to remain faithful. What proof can you provide to your family members to affirm that following God is the best choice?

Weekend Reading: Psalm 100

Reflecting on God's goodness and faithfulness in your life and family, pray through this psalm as a declaration of praise and a commitment to trust in God’s continued work within your family.