READING:
One-year plan: Jeremiah 20-23, 2 Timothy 2
Two-year plan: 8:16-9:37, John 10:1-21
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When I work with missionaries, I often hear them speak of “fourth generation” churches – that is, churches that plant churches that plant churches that plant still more churches. The goal is multiplication of churches as church leaders continually strive to raise up the next generations of church planters and leaders. The work of one generation thus continues into the next one.
That’s the way, too, that Paul described Timothy’s work: “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim 2:2). Paul taught Timothy, and Timothy’s responsibility was to teach others—who would then teach others themselves. You rightly get the sense that the work of the gospel is simply to continue generation after generation.
That expectation reminds me of the truth that our work as leaders of God’s church should far exceed our time as leaders; that is, our work today should go on tomorrow because we have called out and equipped faithful followers of Jesus who take the mantle from us. Indeed, we should delight when we’ve run the race and can look back to see generations of Christ-followers who’ve followed in our steps.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you investing in the next generation?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, help me not to limit my Christian work to myself.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Jeremiah 24-26, 2 Timothy 3-4
Two-year plan: 2 Kings 10, John 10:22-30