Recently, I was thinking about generation gaps and how they have always existed. The idea of a generation gap is not a new concept, though it broadcasts loud from various media trumpets. Some deep challenges between generations stem from the reality that our heavenly Father assigned different generational mandates to each generation. These mandates are unique, just as the generations are unique.
Generation gap is defined as "the differences in opinions, values, etc., between younger people and older people" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).
The reason there's always a generation gap is because our Father places a mandate, which is His court-ordered command, that marks the scope of blueprints for corporate destiny in each generation.
He called each generation forward and commanded them to achieve God-ordained building specifications, and granted gifts, callings, appointments, etc. to do so. Each generation's mandate to accomplish a specific build is connected to the previous generation. Yet, each successive generation has a greater scope and different angle.
"The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment, and will condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation at the judgment and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here." (Matthew 12:41-42 NASB)
Part to the Whole
The good news is that one person, like the Queen of Sheba, or a few people, like the men of Nineveh, can access points that break through in their generational mandate, even if the generation at large fails!
However, it's so much more fluid, powerful in ease and speed, if most of the generation will complete their God-given part, rather than leaving the burden on the shoulders of one or two, like Joshua and Caleb.
Different Generations, Same Promise
Going back to the specific generational mandate the Father placed in the hearts of each generation, each generation is called to build bigger and better than the generation before – with respect and honor to the preceding generation. That's the nature of it. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
Think of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
"By faith he [Abraham] lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise." (Hebrews 11:9 NASB, emphasis added)
They each shared the same promise which built on each successive generation's God-given mandate, making it bigger and better, with respect and honor to the fathers and mothers who preceded them.
The Father builds generationally, and that's a core reality that western mindsets have not understood, and I believe that's a key reason why we are seeing so much rapid decay in our cultures.
Let's recognize and take to heart:
1. The Father builds generationally.
2. He's placed a generational mandate in each specific generation.
3. Generational mandates build on previous generations' promise and labor.
4. Generational mandates are unique in form and function in each generation.
The generation gap is then ready to serve us and propel us into corporate, generational destiny.
He Rolled Off the Reproach
When a generation does not comply with its God-given generational mandate, their failure creates a reproach that creates broken hearts. There's often no energy for completion of the mandate as well as a hardness of heart which prevents that generation, and those afterward, from entering the phases of their God-given mandate – including their portion of the Promised Land (Hebrews 3:7-11). It's a reality that we all – every generation – have fallen short of His glory.
The Father has been speaking to my spirit for months regarding His intervention and adjudication on our behalf. "I AM rolling the reproach of Egypt off your generations and granting grace for restoration," is what He spoke to my spirit. This is His gift, precipitating a multi-generational restoration.
He's drawing us close to Himself, in intimate connection, and giving us an affirmation of His covenant to our hearts. He's removing deep in our hearts what does not belong (places of corruption and idolatry, etc.) and renewing what does (Him and His covenant with promises). (See Hebrews 10:16-17.)
Specifically, He's removing these reproaches:
For the Greatest Generation – the removal of grief and sorrow.
For the Baby Boomers – the removal of regret and reproach.
For Generation X – the removal of dismissal and dishonor.
For Millennials – the removal of judgment and criticism.
Restoration of Honor
He is restoring honor, respect, faith and understanding. Let's pray together now:
Holy Spirit, please pour the oil of healing on every one that carries reproach; restore their hearts and energy, renew their sensitivity of heart as You heal, and then shield them.
Agree with the Father and receive it!
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were able to build intentionally bigger and better each generation, because they each knew they were heirs of the same promise.
I decree to you today:
Now you, too, know you are heirs of the same promise – with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in Christ Jesus. And just like them, you are empowered, anointed and appointed by the Father, with His generational mandate and gifts, to respect and honor the previous generations and their labor, while building bigger and better according to your specific generation's mandate! (Photo via Unsplash)
Whole Family Builds in Heaven and on Earth
In closing, my dear friend and mentor, Mary, recently went home to Heaven. We had a generation gap by virtue of age, not faith. She hailed from my grandmother's generation. Mary took me under her wing and nurtured my faith while imparting wisdom and strategy. She applauded me as I took daring faith steps, but guided my young zeal with wisdom that came from the wealth of her walk with the Lord and life experience.
When I heard that she'd gone home to Heaven, I was so stunned. She'd been battling health issues, but she remained so strong in her faith for healing and to her commitment to be "Caleb" in her generation. I believed with her and just knew that at any moment the divine would break through and she'd be at the forefront of fulfilling generational mandates. I believed that as the Father moved the Body of Christ corporately into the Promised Land in this Joshua generation, she would be right there with them.
It totally happened – just not the way I thought.
Mary, like so many beloved ones who are now asleep, stands with the Father as a member of His whole family...in Heaven. They are cheering us on – the members of His family on Earth – with all the generational mandates building on the solid foundation which is Jesus Christ the Lord (see Ephesians 3:14-15, Hebrews 12:1, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11).
Our family, mentors and friends now know the full scope of their God-given generational mandate, which extended beyond their physical existence, and are cheering you now for the culmination of yours! What they completed is propelling you forward! Father has rolled off the reproach and granted us the grace and space to move into multi-generational restoration. Healing oil is flowing! Honor is rising!
Prayer response:
Father, I agree with You and receive the great healing, honor, grace and restoration You are giving as You adjudicate on behalf of the generations and the abdicated mandates.
Where I've failed, rebelled and abdicated my part of the generational mandates, and experienced reproach, Father, I confess and renounce it. I also renounce the roots of bitterness, judgment and corruption. I receive and give Your forgiveness. Heal and fill my heart with Your Holy Spirit. I consecrate my part of the generational mandate to You and Your gifts to carry it out, and agree with You for recovery, restoration and rebuilding on a multi-generational level, with shouts of grace, grace! Restore and do much more in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
"Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord – with the first of them and with the last – I am He." (Isaiah 41:4 NIV)
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Crystal Wade
Hope StreamsÂ
Email:Â contact@hopestreams.net
Website:Â www.hopestreams.net
Crystal Wade writes to throw out a lifeline of hope for people to receive connectivity to trust the Father and be internally aligned to relate to Him, and thus receive His relationship and the blessings that naturally flow from Him. She is managing editor of Hope Streams.net. Crystal and her husband Stephen received a commission from the Father to connect the generations to Him and to each other so that they can: Start well. Live well. Recover well. Build well. Finish well. As part of that commission, they release materials to assist people of all ages in connecting to The Perfect Parent. The couple carries the Father's passion to position the next generation to be grounded in His truth and love so they can fly in the Spirit. To that end, their family launched Let's Wade In, a media portal, which is both a community for children, tweens and teens and a tool for parents, grandparents and caregivers to anchor students in truth and love so they can fly in the Spirit. They have three wonderful sons.
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God is always, always about restoration...He loves restoring us to His original intent on the earth AND the generations are called to work together...amen!
