And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom and curing all kinds of disease and every weakness and infirmity. When He saw the throngs, He was moved with pity and sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35-36 AMP
In the last couple of months, my husband and I went to a fast food restaurant across from the high school in a nearby town to where we live. It was shortly after school had let out so the restaurant was full of teenagers who were talking, cussing, acting rowdy, etc. I was kind of amazed at the lack of manners and respect they showed for other people and adults around them. The manager told them to either settle down or get out. We left shortly after that.
As I reflected on this, I recalled what my daughter-in-law, who works in a public school, had recently told me…70% of kids are being raised by their grandparents or foster care because their parents are on drugs or are in jail or prison. My friend, who works at a Christian school, had shared a similar statistic with me in the last few years. Most of the young people today have not had a stable home life or a reliable parent or authority figure except maybe their grandparents or foster parents. Thank God for them, but I can see why the youth are in the state they are in.
I thought about the scripture that says that when Jesus saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. They had no one to nurture them, guide them or set an example for them. I realize that most of the last few generations have not been raised to go to church or be taken to church where they could learn about the Lord. And because of all the moral failures and predators that have been exposed, for many, church does not feel like a safe place. Still I am encouraged when I recall a couple of dreams my husband had in recent years ago about the Holy Spirit being poured out on the younger generations and by the reports of many college campuses that have been experiencing that outpouring. I believe there is still a greater move of God coming and I am reminded of what Jesus said in Matt. 9:37-38: “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (NKJ) God bless you all.
In Christ ~ Kelly Rowe
A Deeper Walk 