There is no time or place for the present generation to stop preparations for the future—not even under duress. Simon Purvis tells of the ancient Romans who planted trees for structures and projects that future generations would build. They would plant a certain tree knowing that it would require many years before it could be harvested. They planted a variety of trees that would mature at various times and have various wood-densities to meet the needs of the future. The general mindset of the present generation appears to be to use up whatever we can (money, resources, people) to get through our lifetime. Watching an ad on TV recently, a picture of an infant came across the screen. The message read, “The best time to prepare for his future is 100 years before he is born.” In late winter, people begin preparing for a spring garden but they cease that preparation when the shoots begin to come up. They prepare a house for painting by scraping and priming but they stop the preparation when they begin to put on the paint. There is, however, never a point at which we cease preparing for future generations no matter what philosophical or eschatological paradigm is favored at this point of history. David prepared for Solomon and it is recorded that Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established. (1Ki 2:12) In comparison, Saul just used the present generation (1Sam.8:11-17). In those seven verses, the phrase “he will take” is used six times. (Also Prov.6:6-8; 13:22) It was David’s throne that was promised to last for generations. Is it any wonder that Saul’s did not?
(This is the second excerpt from the article “Just A Call” written by Marty Gabler in Volume 13 Issue 4 of SEEC Magazine. Excerpts will be posted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.)