The 15th to 17th centuries are often referred to as the Age of Discovery. Columbus and other notables hoisted sails, caught prevailing winds, and discovered places people didn’t know existed. I would like to suggest that we are entering an “age of rediscovery” just as historic because God is bound to keep his covenant “for all generations to come” (Genesis 9:12). An ascending generation of storm-tested travelers are claiming God’s promises for themselves. They also see rainbows.
Like all good explorers, they are coming of age in turbulent times. Consider how stories of brazen scandals, a pandemic, school shootings, and political dysfunction have buffeted them nonstop from a spatter dash of social media. They seem to be leaning away from it all and searching for a better world. The pure kindness of Jesus’ love is appealing to young people who have seen so much hate. They don’t want their liberty and happiness manipulated by others because their entire adult lives are ahead of them. They want their planet to be livable. They see their neighbors as likable. Their future must be attainable.
I have decided to view life through the eyes of a select group of this generation—eight of them. They call me Papa. I could think in terms of what I want for them, but I will try to understand what they want for themselves. That is what I will advocate for. That is what I will vote for. That is what I will pray for. And I’ll trust in God’s promises to the end.
