Aron will burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he polishes the lamps and again in the evening as he prepares the lamp for lighting, so that there will always be incense burning before GOD, generation after he generation (Exodus 30 vs 6-10MSG). In taking up our priestly role as believers, we are expected to come before GOD every morning and evening (and at all times- 1 Thess 5 vs 16-18, Eph 6 vs 18) to keep our lights burning beyond our generation.
The good thing about this is that the instruction didn’t stop with Aron and his sons, but He extends it to generation after generation. Having the next generation in mind whilst we’re still here on earth is a divine assignment that honors God’s timeline for humanity. It’s also GOD’s strategy that transforms temporary success into generational impact. And It’s also a reminder that our choices today, shapes our tomorrow’s reality.
Apostle Paul made reference to this in 2 Timothy 1 vs 5 and 2 Timothy 3 vs 14-15 were he mentioned 3 generations (Timothy, his mother and grandmother), applauding them of the strong faith which was passed through their family line. This family successfully passed the baton of faith through 3 generations. Likewise, Abraham also passed the baton of Abrahamic Covenant (the seed, land and blessing) unto the generations behind him. Which births the question –
What baton in form of character, culture, legacy, lifestyle or covenant are you passing to your children and the generation behind you? Some are busy building on earthly things (and that is not to say we can’t or shouldn’t – it’s not meant to be our primary assignment – Matt 6 vs 33). Others don’t even have an incline as to what to do. Whilst others are busy building on the wrong character, culture, legacy just to mention a few.
The blueprint to building an excellent character, culture, legacy, lifestyle or covenant in the coming generation is through the Word of God (Bible) .
Through it, Joshua 1 vs 8 instructs us as believers/priests to keep the scriptures in our mouth and meditate on them. In doing this, we are forming a character and creating a family culture, which our children would imitate and build on.
Secondly, having an absolute dependence on God through wisdom will teach us how to build a lasting legacy for the coming generation.
Furthermore, teaching our children and generations behind us the Word of God (Prov 22 vs 6) and they will not depart from it. Genuinely investing in this always pays off, as God is too faithful to let us down even in the time or day of trouble.
In conclusion, everyone’s (be it a parent or not) major assignment is to SUCCESSFULLY pass on the baton to the next generation. Like an intentional athlete running a relay race, focus, clarity with precision are some of the traits we should exhibit in running the race and SUCCESSFULLY passing the BATON.
Shalom 🕊️
Bimpe Lawal