This generation is an evil generation

This generation is an evil generation.

In Scripture (Luke 11:29),  isn’t Jesus being a little hard on his generation?   But then again, the same thought has probably gone through our minds at some point or another.   It can be overwhelming to look around and see ways that our own generation seems to have rejected God.   Every day we hear news of some new religious or political scandal, some act of hatred or violence, war or immorality.   It can be discouraging!

But there’s always reason for hope.   Just look at the notorious city of Nineveh.   The Ninevites repented when they heard just the beginning of Jonah’s preaching. Or consider the pagan Queen of Sheba.   She was awestruck and praised the God of Israel for Solomon’s wisdom.

Better still, think about Jesus’ generation.   You could argue that it was one of the most evil.   It was members of this generation who rejected Jesus and conspired to kill him—despite all the good that he had done.   But even that generation, as bad as it might have been, gave us people like Peter, John, Mary Magdalene, and the Virgin Mary herself.   These heroes and heroines, members of this “evil generation,” changed the course of history (Luke 11:29).   Through them and others like them, the gospel spread throughout the entire Mediterranean Basin—and in just a few decades!

Every generation is evil in its own way.   But God pours out grace to every generation, and each generation responds to this grace in its own way.   Generation after generation, God continues to gather a people to himself so that he can offer forgiveness, healing, and love to the people he created.

Do we live in an evil generation?   Yes, in some ways we do. But in the midst of all the sin, division, hatred, and violence that surround us, we can still take courage.   God is not limited by our sins no matter how serious they are.   He still reaches out to men and women, and people still respond to him.  No matter how bad things may seem, there is always a glimmer of hope, not because of who we are or what we do, but because of God’s surpassing love and mercy toward us.   We just need to open our eyes to see it.

Word Among Us