OldManWorshipBand: Music
FUTURE GENERATIONS
"Future Generations" is the result of having an open heart to God during a "Kingdom of Heaven" conference at Sunshine Church in Rockford, Michigan during 2007.
As everyone knows Michigan has been in a recession for over 8 years. We've lost over half of our manufacturing base (automotive and subsidiaries) in those years and our state revenue is at 1965 levels. We
are hurtin' for certain. And it doesn't look very promising over the next 5-10 years. At the least the trout fishing is good and they aren't "stimulus" fish (planters).During the conference, in which we prayed for God's provision to rain down on the state and an anointing service for one of the prominent state senators from Grand Rapids, I was struck by our need to consider not just our generation, but should the Lord tarry, those that follow us.
It was a 5 day conference, and about day 2 the idea of a song was germinating, and by day 3, it was done. In the writing of the song, I was listening to God, and was so impressed to get out of my comfort zone and give the song to the worship leader of the conference. I walked up to him during a break and asked if I could sing a song that I believed that the Lord wanted him to hear. He graciously said, "Sure", sat down and patiently listened to me try to bang out something similar to what is now "Future Generations". When I was done, all he said to me was, "Man, that took guts." Then he left.
I read recently that David Livingstone, the great missionary to Africa during the 19th century, said, and I paraphrase, "We can influence no generation but our own". Now I understand what he means. It is similar to the concept that God has no grandchildren. Meaning that each one of us must make that decision to follow Christ.
However, I contend that we can influence the coming generations, and that it is part of the missional imperative implied in the Great Commission at the end of the Gospel of Matthew.
Joshua, my son, and his wife, Shane, have four beautiful children, and he recently challenged me to work with him, again should the Lord choose not to return to earth in this generation or the next, how he and I, as father and grandfather, can influence his children to be Godly grandparents. Think about that challenge, which is the challenge of this song. The implication is to influence fully 5 generations for Christ.
Read the end of the Book of Joshua and the first four chapters of Judges, paying attention to the transitional leadership that takes place with the death of Joshua, and those, including Caleb, take over. The gospel ball gets dropped in less than two generations from Moses.
I picture true discipleship being a deliberate focus on one day standing on a mountain near Jerusalem with all of those who come after me singing praises to our King. Thus we are that "future generation" mentioned in the Psalms. Check out Psalm 102 and 105, then read Matthew 28. Remember, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!
Name That Tune:
As for the song, I always wanted to write a song with the chord progression of a certain Trogg's tune. What is the name of the tune that has a similar chord progression? (Hint: It was the 'B' side of the hit single, "Wild Thing") The first person to email me at jmacroley@gmail.com with the correct answer will get a free cd of the album.
Future Generations
Words & Music: Jeff Roley © September 9, 2007 Rolling Home Music
Key: E
Verse 1:
E F#m A Bsus2
This was written for future generations
E F#m A Bsus2
That those not yet born may praise the Lord
E F#m A Bsus2
So the name of the Lord is declared in Zion
E F#m A Bsus2
And as nations assemble to praise the Lord
Pre-chorus:
F#m A
Make known among the nations
Bsus2
What He has done.
F#m A Bsus2
Sing to Him, tell of His wonderful Son!
Chorus:
E F#m A Bsus2 E
The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!
F#m A Bsus2 E
The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!
F#m A Bsus2 E
The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!
F#m A Bsus2 E
The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!
Verse 2:
E F#m A Bsus2
We are the future generations
E F#m A Bsus2
We were born so, we may praise the Lord
E F#m A Bsus2
That the name of the Lord be declared from the high ground
E F#m A Bsus2
And as nations assemble we will praise the Lord
Pre-chorus:
F#m A
Make known among the nations
Bsus2
What He has done.
F#m A Bsus2
Sing to Him, tell of His wonderful Son!
Chorus:
E F#m A Bsus2 E
The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!
F#m A Bsus2 E
The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!
E F#m A Bsus2 E
We are, we are that future generation
F#m A Bsus2 E
The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!
E F#m A Bsus2 E
We are, we are that future generation
F#m A Bsus2 E
The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!