Think about the next generation
| We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. 5 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, 6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, 7 so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; 8 and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God. (Psalms78:4-7) |
The new generations seem so different; they certainly have a different outlook and approach to life. We are concerned for them and wonder: "What can we tell them that is of value?"
"How can they be empowered in a way that will bring transformation?"
This passage gives us instruction and profound encouragement to this end.
A rich heritage of truth has been faithfully passed on from our fathers. Perhaps, if we were fortunate, our earthly fathers shared this heritage with us but it certainly came from those who are our fathers in the faith. God spoke to these fathers, our forebears, and they received these truths from Him.They inclined their ears and heard, they tasted and discerned and they lived it. We received this testimony from them and now we too know the truth. God established this testimony, it is His, and it is a glorious gospel.
Today this passage urges us to remember this and eschew vain modernisation. This is no time for theological innovation, the teaching of the fathers is God's own and His Word resonates with authority and life. Whatever caused you to want to hide these truths? What are the implied consequences of not passing these truths to the next generation?
God commands us in earnest, and His instruction is prefaced with His love, even for those unborn. Let us faithfully pass on what we have received and train our children for obedience and hope in Christ Jesus. If we humbly communicate to others what we have received according to our Lord's explicit command, a generation will be transformed.
What will it be then?
Let us engage the Lord in faithful obedience today
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Jeremy Smith is the minister at Pinetown Presbyterian Church. He loves his family, recreational horticulture and occasionally baking bread.
