This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord. (Psalm 102:18)
This is a fascinating verse. David prophesies that all that he had written up to this point — and particularly the words of hope and restoration — were written for a generation that did not exist when he composed these words. More specifically, David indicated that the hopeful words were written to inspire the generation at the end of days. That this is so is revealed by the Hebrew word, אחרון acharon — translated here as “the generation to come” — which literally means “the last generation.” In other words, the generation that sees the restoration of Zion is the last generation before the world enters a completely new era unknown to humanity since before the fall of man.
There are many other words of prophecy that were given to those of long ago but were meant for “a people yet to be created,” at least from their perspective. Think of it; so many of the prophets penned words of hope, promise and redemption — everything they wished to see and experience — knowing that the word they conveyed was for a people who would live in the distant future. Messiah alluded to what they must have felt when He said to His disciples, “Many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it” (Matthew 13:17). In that vein of thought, consider men like Abraham who believed the promises of God but did not live to see them all fulfilled. Thus it is written: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them” (Hebrews 11:13).
All of this is to say that, when we see these things begin to come to pass — when we see the Lord building up Zion — then we can know we are that generation of whom David and so many others spoke. Are we that generation? In my heart of hearts I believe we are. Does that mean Messiah will return next week? Not necessarily but, as He said, when we witness things that were prophesied concerning the days of redemption, “know that it (redemption) is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place” (Matthew 13:33-34).
Knowing this, ominous signs and the distress of nations should not discourage us; to the contrary, we should be encouraged to look up and realize that our redemption is at hand. As David said, we are a people who have been created for this time, and as such, should praise the Lord. Why? He is building up Zion and, sooner than what we may think possible, He will appear in His glory. If the patriarchs and prophets of old could not see and hear these things, and yet believe, should not we who do see and hear these things believe even more so? Stay alert and remain diligent — the King is coming!
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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