Generation Z: Born for the StormSample

Born to Worship: Zadok

Since the beginning of time, God has worked in and through generations (Ecclesiastes 1:4). Most sociologists define Generation Z as individuals born between 1997 and 2012. Gen Zers are technologically advanced, industrious, entrepreneurial, globally connected, driven, pragmatic, individualistic, multiracial, and accepting of all.

In the arena of spirituality, this generation wants truth, clarity, purpose, authenticity, and practicality. Gen Zers long for both purity and authenticity in God’s presence.

Zadok—whose name means “righteous,” “just,” or “justified”—lived during King David’s time. Zadok helped bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and a new order of worship for both David’s house and the tabernacle, which was set up on Mount Zion before the temple was built. He fled Jerusalem along with David and Abiathar—the other high priest of Israel at the time—when the king’s son Absalom started a rebellion against his father. Zadok, Abiathar, and the Levites were carrying the Ark of the Covenant in the procession with David until David commanded them to return it to Jerusalem. Zadok obeyed. He was faithful to the king God had chosen—King David. In fact, he remained devoted to David throughout his entire reign.

Following David’s reign, Zadok remained loyal to Solomon, the king’s successor chosen by God. When Adonijah attempted to usurp Solomon’s throne, Abiathar went to anoint Adonijah king. But David had Zadok anoint Solomon first. Because of this, Zadok eventually became the sole high priest of Israel under the rule and ministry of King Solomon. He established a new line of priests known for purity, loyalty, and favor before God and all the people. Hundreds of years later, when the Lord downloaded the plans and process for the new temple and priesthood to the exiled prophet Ezekiel, He mentioned Zadok with favor (Ezekiel 40:46, 44:15–16).

Zadok revolutionized worship in his day because he understood that the king exalted by God is the one who deserves loyalty. Zadok and his descendants were the models of purity and authenticity Gen Z longs to see. As believers, our devotion belongs to Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who has now been exalted as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Gen Z can establish a new priesthood of worshippers in the earth—ones like Zadok, favored both now and throughout eternity, who are pure, personal, and passionate.