 WHERE ARE THE ELDERS OF OUR LAND? (Judges 2:7-13) This message, inspired by the Holy Spirit, serves as an urgent cry for a rescue mission to save the souls of the coming generations from the impending calamities that threaten the Church of Jesus Christ, His beloved bride. As a child, I was privileged to witness a glimpse of the revivals of the early '90s. I observed how people's lives were set on fire for God. I saw how men trembled at the Word of God, served Him with reverent fear, and entered His presence with awe. I witnessed the manifestations of the gifts and fruits of the Spirit in harmony, without contradiction or confusion within the Church. Oh, those were the days when hearts burned with Holy Fire, and sinners bowed at Calvary to embrace the rugged cross flowing with the blood of the Lamb. I saw sinners embrace pardon and mercy from a loving Savior who gave Himself for a wretched world so that none would perish. How I wish those days never ended. But as I look at the unfortunate and saddening trend Christianity is taking today—how it seems to be spiraling downward—I wonder if there is hope for my generation and the ones to come. I was contemplating this on my bed when the Lord led me to the book of Judges 2:7-13. Verse 7 reads: "And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works that the Lord had done for Israel." Let’s jump to verse 10, which says: "And also all that generation were gathered to their fathers; and there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord nor yet the works which He had done for Israel." I pondered how could a generation arise that did not know the Lord, nor His works? What were the elders who survived Joshua doing with their lives during their time? Why did they fail to pass on the knowledge and testimonies of God's great works to the next generation? As I reflected on this, I sensed the Holy Spirit speaking: "There were elders who outlived Joshua, who knew the works the Lord had done for Israel. But what did they do with this wealth of knowledge? They took it for granted, failed to pass it on, and neglected their sacred responsibility." The elders, who were meant to serve as a bridge between the Joshua generation and the generation that knew not the Lord, turned their focus to mundane pursuits that added no value to the Kingdom of God. In their negligence, they failed to recognize the disaster that could befall the next generation. They failed to realize that their carelessness could plunge future generations into darkness and sorrow. Oh, what a tragedy! How I wish our elders understood that our generation is already mired in the same quagmire. Our elders must take more action in passing on the baton—sharing the knowledge and testimonies of God's works with the next generation. WHERE ARE THE ELDERS OF OUR LAND? Where are those who outlived Joshua? Verse 13 reads: "And they forsook the Lord and served Baal and Ashtoreth." Why would they serve Baal, the god of rain and dew, and Ashtoreth, the god of fertility, perversion, and war, when the elders failed in their duty? Why would they worship idols when they knew not the Lord? How can they serve, love, reverence, and obey a God they do not know? It’s no surprise that many are coerced into attending church, only for them to turn away when they leave their parents’ homes. How much time, dear parent, do you commit to sharing God’s works with your children? Have you been distracted by the endless administrative duties of the church, repeating the same messages, and leaving no time for sharing your personal testimony and the work of God in your life? WHERE ARE THE ELDERS OF OUR LAND? Why won’t they serve idols when the seat of Jehovah in their hearts is vacant? A man’s heart cannot remain empty; it will be filled with something. No wonder we see rising rates of sexual perversion, ungodly vices, crimes in pursuit of wealth, indecent dressing, and broken homes. These happen when the elders, responsible for teaching godly values, neglect their sacred duties. Why won't these things happen when Baal and Ashtoreth occupy the hearts of this generation in place of Jehovah? Oh, that my eyes were a fountain of unending tears! I wish my tears could not be stopped, for I fear the impending dangers and calamities approaching the next generation. WHERE ARE THE ELDERS OF OUR LAND? I long for the days when we had deep, spiritually nourishing Sunday Schools and Bible studies. Back then, teachers sought God's counsel for their pupils, relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance rather than mere study outlines. They would confront their own sins, leading everyone to kneel and plead for mercy before teaching others. Gone are the days when men repented from ungodly trades and lifestyles to obey God. Gone are the days when believers opened their homes to those rejected by their families for following Christ. Gone are the days of genuine discipleship through godly character rather than empty rhetoric. Gone are the days when we saw Jesus reflected in the lives of our elders. WHERE ARE THE ELDERS OF OUR LAND? Oh, that God would save this coming generation from the dangers that loom over them. How long will we continue with this "noodle Christianity," a shallow, microwaved form of faith that celebrates mediocrity and laziness? What nourishment does it offer for the spiritual growth of the next generation? Do we truly believe the current state of Christianity has the strength to sustain the next generation through the challenges ahead? WHERE ARE THE ELDERS OF OUR LAND? This is a spiritually sick generation. Oh, how I pray that the Lord will awaken our elders from their slumber. May they rise to rescue and restore this situation. We beseech You, Lord, not to forget us in Your mercy. 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