John Piper asks, “Will the Next Generation Know?” referring to Judges 2:
In summary, there was a sequence like this: first, the people revered and served the true God because Joshua and his generation kept the memory of God’s mighty acts alive among the people. Second, a new generation arose who for some reason did not know God or his work for Israel. Third, this new generation forsook the true worship and turned to other gods. And finally, God brought the judgment of his wrath upon them. The three lessons for us that I want to draw out of this text are simple, but so needful. First, when the knowledge of God is preserved in a community, especially by those who have personally experienced God’s power, faith is nourished and obedience flourishes. Second, if we parents allow our children to grow up without this knowledge of God, we serve not only their ignorance and unbelief, but also their destruction. Third, therefore it is the solemn duty of all parents to teach their children about God and his saving work, so that the next generation will know and be saved. Since the first two of these lessons lead to the last one, this is what I want to talk about mainly. It is God’s will that parents assume responsibility to teach their children what God has revealed about himself. It is we parents who have the first and foremost responsibility to see that our children think correctly about God. The most important school a child should ever attend is the home. And the most influential theological teachers he should ever have are Mom and Dad.
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 