Psalm 78 is actually quite long (72 verses long!) and is known as one of the historical psalms. From verse 8 onwards the psalmist starts recounting the deeds that the Lord has done for his people Israel and their response to him. This psalm specifically deals with the portion of Israel's history as they wander through the desert after crossing the red sea and then driving out the nations as they take possession of the promised land. It consistently talks of the faithfulness and generous provision and care of God, in stark contrast to the fickleness and faithlessness of his people.
Right at the beginning of the psalm – where our verses today come from – the psalmist gives the reasons for recounting this history. This is told so that the children and the children's children and all that follow will know the greatness and mercy of their God. This is a principle taught in the Old Testament and in the law. In Deuteronomy 11, after we read about loving and obeying the law, verses 18-29 read:
"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds… Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
It is vital that our young people know about what God has done and is doing in the lives of his people. These youngsters who sit in our church and ask embarrassing questions in their 'not so quiet' voices, who crumple chip packets and drop crumbs on the carpet, who start crying or laughing in the most inappropriate times. These teenagers who are struggling to find their identity, who spend hours typing on their blackberries, who ask difficult questions about faith and life – these are going to be the elders in our church. These youngsters are a promise from God that he will continue to work with the next generation. Some may become ministers or missionaries. Some doctors and teachers. Some will become godly parents, and leaders in their community.
And they need to know now, who God is and what he has done.
It is this grounding that they will return to in difficult times.
It is this grounding that will enable them to make wise choices in their future.
It is this grounding that will allow them to walk through the storms that life will hold for them, hand in hand with Jesus.
I love the long term view of the psalmist – he sees beyond our children now to the children's children and to those who are not yet born. We don't get to meet the fourth and fifth generations that follow after us – but we do get to feed into that which will be fed into them. What a privilege.
I pray that you will consider what you teach all the young people in your life: your own children, nephews and nieces, god-children, and all the young people in the church. Speak to them about God, the stories of old and the ways in which he has touched your life. They are our greatest hope for the future.
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