#soap # Ezra 03 ## Title: Every Generation Passes, Every Generation Rises ## Scripture: (Ezra 3:12-13) “Many of the priests, the Levites, and the leaders—older people who had seen with their own eyes the former temple while it was still established—were weeping loudly, and many others raised their voice in a joyous shout. People were unable to tell the difference between the sound of joyous shouting and the sound of the people’s weeping, for the people were shouting so loudly that the sound was heard a long way off.” (NET) ## Observation: At the time of this devotion, I am 42 years old. It is a unique time in my life because I am young enough to still have living generations older than me, but old enough to have generations younger than me. I have the privilege of being able to see the strengths and weaknesses of both. Each generation (including my own) thinks theirs is the most important, has everything right, and is the focus of the world. The truth is every generation passes away and a new generation will take its place. This should help us to have a more forgiving view of other generations. We need to think further than our short time on this earth and think about those who have gone before us and those who are coming after us. How can we honor those before us? How can we prepare the way for those who will come after us? ## Application: Think generationally today. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for being faithful throughout the generations.