“The next generation will either see the power of God working in their lives in real, tangible ways, or they’ll have no use for our message and no interest in following our Savior.” Nicky Cruz. You may not be familiar with the name, Nicky Cruz, but perhaps you remember the book and movie entitled, The Sword and the Switchblade. Back in the late 1950’s a young pastor named Dave Wilkerson felt God calling him from his small Pennsylvania home to the gritty streets of New York City. In that foreign environment, he came into contact with the spiritually hardened, socially maladjusted and just plain dangerous gang members of whom Nicky Cruz was the worst. “Cruz was born in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico where he was raised by his parents. His parents practiced brujeria (witchcraft) and were followers of spiritism ("espiritismo"). They mentally abused him; his own mother would call him "Son of Satan". The neighborhood in which he lived was one of the worst in Puerto Rico and Cruz was always getting into trouble. According to his book Run Baby Run, his parents sent him to live with his brother in New York City when he was 15, and Cruz soon ran away and started living on the streets of the city. He became a member of the Mau-Mau street gang, and about six months later Cruz was elected Warlord of the gang. He quickly rose to be their leader.” Wikipedia.
It certainly didn’t happen overnight, but Nicky became a Christian, and to this day, at age 74, remains a powerful influence for Christ. I’ll let you read the short book, or watch the film to find out the rest of the details, but for today, let’s analyze this quote. We live in a power obsessed culture. From our cell phones, cars, and even home appliances, we demand the utmost in power. If it’s too slow, we upgrade. If there aren’t enough cool features, we feel left out, and inadequate. My 9 year old grandson has a cell phone, and is an expert texter. He also is familiar with the operation of video game devices and any kind of remote control known to man. Most kids I know exhibit this same expertise, and when asked where the greatest power in the universe lies, my bet is many will answer technology or the internet. And why not, it’s awesome, tangibly present and makes a big difference in their everyday lives. Now, ask a member of the next generation how much power they think God has. Sure, there will be those who answer that he is omnipotent, because that’s what they have been told, but how many of them, and we as adults included, have witnessed that power?
The point Nicky is trying to make is, that if this next generation continues to put all it’s stock in the power of technology, and never sees the supernatural power of God in action, they will become hardened, disinterested and will see no purpose in a relationship with our Savior. Cell phones, the internet and games will be on the throne instead of God. We may very well be the last generation of believers, and that is frightening. How can we turn this ship around? It begins with showing enthusiasm for the things of God. Think about it, when’s the last time you couldn’t wait to tell your kids, or anyone, about something you learned in church, or in Bible study? Have you witnessed a miracle, or been involved in a power-filled incident? If you have, share it, talk about God in a natural way all the time, like we do with sports teams or hobbies…we are certainly enthusiastic about those things. So why not be hyped up about the Lord? Perhaps you don’t have the enthusiasm it takes, then I suggest you ask God to give it to you, and do it fast. Impressionable minds and lives won’t be teachable forever. They must personally witness His power now, and then choose it for themselves, or reject it for eternity.
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