New Beginnings
My Friend, Gayle celebrated her 40th Birthday and invited us all to celebrate with her.
When you give a preacher a mic, of course they’ll preach. I wanted to share my take-aways from her message.
I met Gayle in seminary and she’s a lovely human and increadible pastoral leader. When I have a Sunday off, I attend her church. I was thrilled when I got an evite to her birthday party. This was a PARTY! It may have been a bigger party than my wedding was, it was amazing. There was a party host who sang and orchestrated the whole room, dinner, dj, photo booth which all culminated into an amazing celebratory environment. I got to catch up with mutual friends, dance and generally rejoice in the phase of life that I’m in. It was lovely.
Gayle is a preacher and when you give a preacher a microphone, they’re gonna preach. When she came out to tell us about the party and offer us an intention for the evening, she pointed to the bible’s construct of every 40 years being a “New Beginning” and the mark for a new generation to begin.
I was reminded of a few narratives from scripture where new beginnings are marked by leadership change and 40 years.
Moses to Joshua – Deuteronomy 31:1–8; Joshua 1:1–9
After forty years of leading Israel through the wilderness, Moses stands before the people and publicly commissions Joshua as the next leader. Moses reminds them that God will go before them, and Joshua must be strong and courageous. This transition marks the end of one generation’s wandering and the beginning of another’s conquest. “Be brave and strong, because you are the one who will help this people take possession of the land, which I promised to their ancestors I’d give to them.” (Joshua 1:6, CEB)
Elijah to Elisha – 2 Kings 2:1–15
As Elijah’s prophetic ministry draws to a close, he is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, leaving behind his mantle as a sign of Elisha’s new role. Elisha immediately picks it up and parts the Jordan River, continuing the work his mentor began. This dramatic moment shows that God’s mission continues across generations. “Elisha picked up the coat that had fallen from Elijah, went back, and stood beside the banks of the Jordan River.” (2 Kings 2:13, CEB)
John the Baptist to Jesus – John 3:25–30
John’s ministry of preparing the way reaches its climax when Jesus begins His public work. John joyfully acknowledges that his role is to step aside so the Messiah can take center stage. His humility models how to embrace God’s timing in passing the torch. “He must increase and I must decrease.” (John 3:30, CEB)
Paul to Timothy and Titus – 2 Timothy 2:1–2; Titus 1:4–5
Near the end of his ministry, Paul entrusts leadership to younger pastors Timothy and Titus. He charges them to guard the truth, teach faithfully, and appoint leaders in the churches. Paul sees them not just as co-workers but as spiritual children, carrying the mission forward. “So, my child, draw your strength from the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Pass on what you heard from me…to faithful people who can teach others as well.” (2 Timothy 2:1–2, CEB)
I got to thinking about Gayle’s wisdom of drawing on this theme of every 40 years marking a change in scripture and what it might mean for me, as someone who is turning 39 this year.
| Generation | Year Born | Life Stage in 2025 | Historical Context | Core Traits | New Beginning Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1946 (Baby Boomers) | 1946 | ~79–80 years old; retired, often grandparents/great-grandparents | Post–WWII prosperity, Civil Rights era, Cold War, moon landing, Vietnam | Institution builders; witnessed sweeping cultural shifts; living historical memory | Downsizing/moving; late-life travel; health/rehab journeys; mentoring; deepening spiritual legacy |
| 1986 (Late Gen X / Early Millennials) | 1986 | 39–40 years old; mid-career; raising families; caring for aging parents | End of Cold War; rise of the internet; post-9/11 world; 2008 recession | Tech-savvy; values-driven; adaptable; multi-taskers | Career reinvention; relocation; starting a business; returning to school; parenting shifts; health transformations |
| 2026 (Gen Beta) | 2026 | Newborns or not yet born | AI/automation boom; climate action urgency; global cultural blending | Digital natives from birth; high diversity; likely most educated generation | First steps in life: family formation, early education, first friendships |
Scripture offers some invitations to each of these generations:
For the 1946 generation, a new beginning often means embracing the role of wisdom keeper. Like Moses commissioning Joshua, your experience is invaluable. You can strengthen the next generation through mentoring, encouragement, and passing on what you’ve learned. Even if your role changes, as Elijah’s did when he left his mantle for Elisha, your influence endures. The faith, values, and example you share can shape lives long after you step back. “Tell the coming generation about the LORD’s deeds, God’s mighty acts, and the wondrous works God has done.” (Psalm 78:4, CEB)
For the 1986 generation, midlife brings both opportunity and responsibility. John the Baptist shows humility when he steps aside so Jesus can begin public ministry, reminding us that sometimes a fresh start means letting go so something greater can grow. Paul’s instructions to Timothy and Titus make it clear that leadership is not only about personal achievement; it’s also about preparing others to carry the work forward. This is a season to invest in people and build what will last, trusting God to work through your efforts. “Pass on what you heard from me…to faithful people who can teach others as well.” (2 Timothy 2:2, CEB)
For the 2026 generation, stepping into leadership will take courage and trust in God’s promises. Like Joshua following Moses, you will inherit both blessings and unfinished work from those who came before you. Elijah’s handoff to Elisha shows that God’s power is not limited to one time or one person. God equips each generation for its own calling. You are invited to pick up the mantle and continue the mission, knowing that God is already preparing you for what comes next. “Be brave and strong, because you are the one who will help this people take possession of the land, which I promised to their ancestors I’d give to them.” (Joshua 1:6, CEB)
These phases or generations aren’t necessairly defined by our ages though, we know that God’s mercies are renewed daily: “They are renewed every morning. Great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:23). So any one of us can be a phase in our lives where one of these new beginnings are in invitation for us.
We are offered hope, no matter what generation we are in. I’m grateful for dear friends like Gayle who remind me, “Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it?” (Isaiah 43:19)
If you would like to pause and Look! As the Prophet Isaiah encourages, subscribe to my weekly email for a guided mediation on doing just that.
