When a Generation Knows Not God ∙∙
The people of Israel served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him – those who had personally experienced all that the LORD had done for Israel. – Joshua 24:31
Judges 21:25 In those days, Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.
A Remarkable Era of Providence
The 18th century was an important period in the development of Western civilization and the early days of the United States. During this time, remarkable leaders emerged who were deeply attuned to human behavior, historical context, and the principles needed to build a stable and lasting republic.
One of the era’s most significant milestones was the intense 1788 debate over the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the newly independent American states. Many regarded the ability of people from such diverse backgrounds and perspectives to come together and create a unified framework for governance as nothing less than an act of divine Providence.
This was an era when many leaders firmly believed in a providential Creator who had guided them to this moment in history. They credited God with their victory over Great Britain, the era’s most powerful military force, and trusted in His continued guidance.
George Washington, reflecting on the monumental achievement of this moment, offered several timeless insights that continue to resonate today:
- “It appears to me, then, little short of a miracle, that the Delegates from so many different States . . . should unite in forming a system of national Government, so little liable to well-founded objections” (Washington).
- “We are not to expect perfection in this world; but mankind, in modern times, has apparently made some progress in the science of government” (Washington).
- “No country upon earth ever had it more in its power to attain these blessings than the United America. Wondrously strange, then, and much to be regretted indeed would it be, were we to neglect the means and to depart from the road which Providence has pointed us to so plainly; I cannot believe it will ever come to pass” (Washington).
The Consequences of Forgetting God
But what happens when a nation collectively forgets the God of the Bible? History provides sobering examples, particularly in the story of Israel.
Joseph, one of Jacob’s twelve sons, rose from the depths of imprisonment in Egypt to become second-in-command to Pharaoh. Through his God-given wisdom and leadership, Joseph saved Egypt and the emerging nation of Israel from famine, securing their prosperity. However, as time passed, Joseph’s influence faded, and his legacy was forgotten.
Genesis 50:26: “So Joseph died at the age of 110. The Egyptians embalmed him, and his body was placed in a coffin in Egypt.”
Exodus 1:6-7:
“In time, Joseph and all of his brothers died, ending that entire generation. But their descendants, the Israelites, had many children and grandchildren. In fact, they multiplied so greatly that they became extremely powerful and filled the land.”
As the memory of Joseph and his God faded, a shadow of intolerance spread across Egypt. Anti-Semitism took root, and the Israelites faced mounting oppression. When God is forgotten, so too are the people associated with His name.
The Rise of Oppression
A new Pharaoh, unaware of Joseph’s contributions, viewed the growing Israelite population as a threat. His response was marked by fear and hostility.
Exodus 1:8-10:
“Eventually, a new king came to power in Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph or what he had done. He said to his people, ‘Look, the people of Israel now outnumber us and are stronger than we are. We must make a plan to keep them from growing even more. If we don’t, and if war breaks out, they will join our enemies and fight against us. Then they will escape from the country.’”
Pharaoh’s fear led to the Israelites’ enslavement, subjecting them to brutal labor and harsh conditions.
Exodus 1:11-14:
“So the Egyptians made the Israelites their slaves. They appointed brutal slave drivers over them, hoping to wear them down with crushing labor. They forced them to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king.
But the more the Egyptians oppressed them, the more the Israelites multiplied and spread, and the more alarmed the Egyptians became.
So the Egyptians worked the people of Israel without mercy. They made their lives bitter, forcing them to mix mortar, make bricks, and do all the work in the fields. They were ruthless in all their demands.”
A Grim Resolution
As oppression intensified, Pharaoh devised a horrible plan to reduce the Israelite population systematically. His decree targeted the most vulnerable, newborn males.
Exodus 1:15-22:
“Then Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, gave this order to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah: ‘When you help the Hebrew women as they give birth, watch as they deliver. If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live.’
But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too. Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: ‘Throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River. But you may let the girls live.’”
Despite Pharaoh’s ruthless efforts, his plans were thwarted by God’s providence. The Father intervened, sparing Moses from certain death and setting the stage for Israel’s eventual deliverance. The story of Moses, preserved by divine intervention, became a testament to God’s faithfulness and sovereignty.
REFLECT & PRAY
The events of the Exodus serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of forgetting God and the enduring faithfulness of His providence. As Proverbs 14:34 states, “Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”
Father, thank You for Your providential work and intervention in human history. Teach and guide us in how to respond to the present hour.
INSIGHT
Israel’s Forgotten God
The nation of Israel, despite its miraculous beginnings, tragically forgot the God of the Bible shortly after entering the Promised Land. Under the leadership of Joshua and Caleb, the Israelites successfully took possession of the land, fulfilling the Father’s promise. In Joshua 5, it is described how the angel of the Lord guided Joshua to victory, ensuring the fulfillment of God’s covenant.
This generation of Israelites had personally witnessed God’s extraordinary works, including their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. They knew and worshiped the true God, earning them the distinction of being Israel’s “Greatest Generation.” However, their faith and devotion were not passed down to subsequent generations. By the end of the book of Judges, the people had turned away from the God of the Bible, abandoning the faith of their forebears.
Judges 21:25: “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.”
During Joshua’s lifetime, the people remained faithful to the Lord because they had personally experienced His mighty works.
Joshua 24:31: “The people of Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him, those who had personally experienced all that the Lord had done for Israel.”
However, this faithfulness did not endure. The prophet Jeremiah later lamented the Nation’s spiritual decline, as they exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols.
Jeremiah 2:11: “Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones, even though they are not gods at all? My people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols!”
A Modern Parallel: Forgetting God in the 20th Century
The 20th century witnessed the emergence of generations in numerous nations who no longer recognized or followed the God of the Bible. Germany stands as a stark and sobering example of this shift. In his book When a Nation Forgets God, Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer explores the devastating consequences of a society turning away from God, using the rise of Nazi Germany as a powerful case study.
Frank Wright, President and CEO of National Religious Broadcasters, summarized Lutzer’s work: “Erwin Lutzer asks… What happens to the nation that forgets God? Using the history of Nazi Germany as his canvas, Lutzer brilliantly illustrates a critically important truth. Just as nature abhors a vacuum, a culture which drives every vestige of God from the marketplace of ideas inevitably finds it has sown seeds that it will reap in the whirlwind.”
The similarities between early 20th-century Germany and 21st-century America are striking. Despite its cultural richness and military power, Germany was left demoralized by war and thrust into uncertainty. Radical political shifts followed, leading society into darkness. Lutzer highlights key warning signs of a nation turning away from God:
- The welfare of the nation overshadowed individual liberties and the right to dissent.
- Economic prosperity often took precedence over freedoms like speech, travel, and voting rights.
- Many prioritized basic necessities, such as food, over personal freedoms.
- Treason was redefined as anything opposing the will of the Reich.
- Dividing enemies became a key strategy for maintaining control.
- Political leaders exploited the anger of the people.
- Propaganda disrupted the existing social order.
- Facts became irrelevant, and lies silenced opposition.
- The cross of Christ was distorted when intertwined with political agendas.
- Churches could not accommodate both the cross and the swastika.
- Emotional appeals often overpowered rational arguments.
- Warnings were ignored because people desperately wanted to believe in something, even if it was a lie.
A Call to Discernment
Both the Scriptures and history offer warnings. Could it be that the Father is speaking to His people today through these examples? Are we approaching a future shaped by similar dangers? While the answers may not be clear, the Scriptures offer guidance for God’s people in uncertain times.
The sons of Issachar serve as a model of discernment and wisdom.
1 Chronicles 12:32: “From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.”
The Apostle Paul also offers practical advice for navigating challenging times.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-11:
“But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.
So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
Warnings from History
The warnings from history resonate with Scriptural teachings. Thomas Paine noted, “These are the times that try men’s souls; the greatest tyrannies often arise under the guise of noble causes.” Similarly, Patrick Henry warned that when a people forget God, they fall victim to tyranny.
Roger Ellsworth reminds us that even powerful civilizations are just one generation away from losing their faith.
The narratives of Israel, historical lessons, and Scriptural warnings emphasize the need to remember God and remain vigilant. As children of the King, we are called to discern the times, remain alert, and encourage one another in our walk in the light.
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© Dr. H 2026
Dr H Reflections 