Honoring the Past to Empower the Future
I mentioned the phrase “synergy of the ages” when speaking at The Bible College of Wales this past Sunday (see yesterday’s post). I teach on this phrase in depth in my book An Appeal to Heaven, explaining the setting and purpose for which God first spoke it to me. Today’s post is an overview of the concept.
Throughout the biblical narrative, we observe a profound pattern of continuity where God’s dealings with His people weave through generations, connecting past acts of faith with present encounters and future promises. Isaac restoring Abraham’s wells (Genesis 26), Jacob’s divine encounter at Bethel where Abraham had also met with God (Genesis 28), and Elijah’s retreat to the same cave in which Moses found sanctuary (Exodus 33, 1 Kings 19) are all examples. These stories exemplify how honoring the efforts of past individuals and connecting with their actions are vital for spiritual growth, divine favor, and divine continuity. And this connection produces the “synergy of the ages.”
This pattern of continuity highlights the importance of recognizing that our spiritual journeys are not isolated, but are part of a rich tapestry woven throughout history. By understanding and honoring the efforts of those who came before us, we tap into a divine synergy that energizes our faith and propels us toward divine purposes, as these three examples demonstrate. Let’s look at them further.
1. Isaac and the Wells of Abraham
In Genesis 26, Isaac re-digs the wells that his father Abraham had originally dug; the final well was Beersheba, which means “the well of covenant.”(1) Redigging the wells symbolizes more than just restoring water sources; it’s about reclaiming the spiritual and covenantal legacy of his father.
Abraham’s faith and obedience had established a divine covenant. By connecting with Abraham’s actions, Isaac demonstrated respect for the spiritual foundations laid before him. This act of honoring past efforts not only restored physical sustenance but also signified a spiritual continuity—affirming that the promises of God are passed down through obedience and remembrance.
2. Jacob and Bethel
In Genesis 28, Jacob’s dream of the ladder reaching to heaven occurred at Bethel, where Abraham called on the Lord and built an altar after his first encounter with God and received his calling (Genesis 12). At this special place, the Lord echoed the promise to Jacob. Bethel, meaning “House of God,” was a sacred site that symbolized divine visitation and covenant. Jacob’s experience there connected him to the spiritual heritage of Abraham and Isaac, demonstrating that divine promises are passed down across generations.
Jacob set up a stone pillar and poured oil on it, showing reverence for the divine encounter and the sacred place. Many scholars believe the stone used for this pillar was from the very altar Abraham had previously built there! Recognizing and connecting with the actions of those who came before establishes spiritual continuity and deepens one’s sense of divine purpose.
3. Elijah and the Cave of Horeb
In 1 Kings 19, Elijah found himself exhausted, discouraged, and on the run after a series of prophetic confrontations. God led him to a cave on Mount Horeb—also known as Mount Sinai. Many scholars believe this cave was the very “cleft” in a rock from which Moses encountered Yahweh, as described in Exodus 33. This cave wasn’t merely a physical refuge; it symbolized a sacred space where divine revelation and renewal occur. Elijah’s visit to the cave connected him to the legacy of Moses, the lawgiver, and to the divine encounters that had shaped Israel’s identity.
God’s instruction to Elijah at this place to stand on the mountain and listen for His voice is similar to the earlier divine appearance to Moses (Exodus 33). It signified that Elijah’s spiritual destiny was intertwined with Moses’ and Israel’s entire history. By honoring the sacred space where Moses met with God, Elijah was invited into a continuum of divine revelation—a “synergy of the ages”—where the faith of past generations empowered the present.
The recurring theme in these biblical accounts is that honoring the efforts of our spiritual ancestors is vital. Doing so produces:
Spiritual Legacy and Identity: Recognizing the efforts of past individuals helps us understand our connection to God’s overarching plan. It reminds us that we are part of a divine family, inheriting promises, blessings, and responsibilities.
Faith Reinforcement: Connecting with previous acts of faith and obedience builds our confidence in God’s faithfulness. It encourages us to trust in His promises, knowing that He has been faithful across generations.
Divine Continuity: These biblical narratives reveal that God’s dealings are continuous and cumulative. Honoring past efforts aligns us with God’s eternal purposes and opens the way for new divine encounters.
Inspiration and Motivation: Stories of God’s faithfulness inspire us to persevere through challenges, knowing that we stand on the shoulders of giants, who also trusted and obeyed God.
Spiritual Renewal: Revisiting sacred sites or recalling divine acts can serve as catalysts for personal and corporate renewal, rekindling our passion for God and His purposes.
As you can see, connecting with the actions of past individuals is not merely about remembrance; it’s about spiritual alignment and empowerment. When we honor the sacrifices, obedience, and divine encounters of those who came before us, we tap into a divine synergy that transcends time. This connection creates a spiritual bridge that sustains faith through trials and ignites divine activity in our lives.
Conclusion: Embracing the Synergy of the Ages
The biblical accounts of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Elijah reveal a divine pattern—an ongoing connection between God’s people that spans generations. Recognizing and honoring the efforts of those who went before us is vital for spiritual growth, divine favor, and the continuation of God’s plan.
By connecting with the actions of past individuals, we participate in the “synergy of the ages,” allowing faith and effectiveness to multiply and flow from one generation to the next. This sacred continuity not only bolsters our personal walk with God but also strengthens the spiritual fabric of the church at large. As we honor the past, we lay a firm foundation for the future, ensuring that divine promises are passed on, fulfilled, and expanded in future generations.
In embracing this divine synergy, we become active participants in a timeless covenant—standing on sacred ground, honoring sacred acts, and trusting that God’s work continues, unbroken, across the ages.
Pray with me:
Father, thank You for the faithful members of our spiritual family who have gone before us. We owe them more than we can imagine. They labored, stood for truth, honored You and Your ways, and many gave their lives for Your cause “...Of whom the world was not worthy” (Hebrews 11:38). You continue in this Hebrews passage by stating, “Not one of these people, even though their lives of faith were exemplary, got their hands on what was promised. God had a better plan for us: that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours” (Verses 39-40, The Message).
You have said through prophets that a synergy of all past revivals is going to be released in our day. All that You have poured out and restored – all the gifts, anointings, and manifestations of Holy Spirit – released in one powerful revival. We ask for this now. Cover the earth with Your glory, as You promised (Habakkuk 2:14).
We are also careful to remember and pray for our leaders. We pray for President Trump and his team, our Congress, and the judicial system of our nation. We pray that they would be given protection and wisdom. We also pray that they would be stirred in their hearts to recognize and honor You, continuing the heritage of our Founders. And again today, we ask You to bring correction and order to our judicial system in America, including the Supreme Court. Uproot evil, destroy corrupt seeds, replace judges who need replacing, and restore common sense and wisdom. All this we pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
Our decree:
We declare that we will honor the lives and efforts of past believers, finishing what they so effectively started.
Click on the link below to watch the full video.
James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. no. 884.