Concern for the next generation

I will utter hidden things, things from of old—

3things we have heard and known,

things our ancestors have told us.

4We will not hide them from their descendants;

we will tell the next generation

the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,

his power, and the wonders he has done.

5He decreed statutes for Jacob

and established the law in Israel,

which he commanded our ancestors

to teach their children,

6so the next generation would know them,

even the children yet to be born,

and they in turn would tell their children.

7Then they would put their trust in God

and would not forget his deeds

but would keep his commands.

8They would not be like their ancestors—

a stubborn and rebellious generation,

whose hearts were not loyal to God,

whose spirits were not faithful to him. (Psalm 78)

Thoughts: We will not hide God's power and grace from the next generation.  We willl not let them make up their own minds without hearing our story- the story and miracle God gave us.  The faith is meant to be passed on to our children's children children.  

Prayer: 

2/24- Declaring God’s Glory in Passing the Faith On- Psalm 78:3-7

2/24- Declaring God’s Glory in Passing the Faith On- Psalm 78:3-7

I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old— ³ things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. ⁴ We will not hide them from their descendants;
we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. ⁵ He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our  Ancestors to teach their children, ⁶ so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. ⁷ Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. (Psalm 78:3-7)

Thoughts: The Psalmist says "I will open my mouth."  He refuses to keep his mouth shut about God. Then he moves to the first person plural- "we" have heard them- and "we" will not hide them- "we" will tell them.  This is the three step process to declaring God's glory.  1) Listen for the glory of God yourself; 2) Determine not to hide it under a bushel; 3) Tell it out.  The Psalmist notes that God has done praiseworthy- unforgettable deeds.  Such deeds elicit and call to us to trust in God.  Since God is trustworthy, we do not need to forget Him.  Rather, because God is such a loving help- He should be heard and followed.  Part of following Christ is not hiding what we know- but teaching the next generation.  He does not say that he will teach his own children, but simply the next generation.  Everyone coming up needs to hear, and everyone experiencing God needs to tell out His glory.  So in a sense- we all are missionaries to the next generation of the gospel.  The question is, "What kind of job are we doing as called missionaries of God?" 

Prayer: Help me to do all I can to play a role in spreading your love to the next generation.  

The author reading to his grandchild, Etta.