Things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us, we will not hide them from their children. – Psalm 78:3-4
Recently, a famous personality said that the United States is a nation of Alzheimer’s – it doesn’t know its name, what its morals are, where it came from, or why it is here. Why is that? Part of the reason is that those who have known this country best did not realize the need to pass on all of those answers with intentionality and determination.
With great regularity, God told His people to teach the next generations what they had heard and knew to be true. “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt” (Leviticus 26:13). It was a statement God made repeatedly so Israel would remember who He was, who they were, where they came from, and what they were to do. “Take care lest you forget the Lord” (Deuteronomy 6:4-12).
The psalmist makes it clear in Psalm 78:7 that training the next generation should be constant so they would set their hope in God. Life’s problems come soon enough, but the Lord as their foundation would carry them through. Children should be taught to “know the glorious deeds of the Lord,” so they “keep His commandments”, and so they are not “stubborn and rebellious” (vv. 4-8). It is no different today.
Whether you speak with your children or talk with friends about what God has done in your life, or about the foundation of faith that has blessed this nation, let your conversation be fervent and consistent. Leaders for the future are in your midst. They need the knowledge of the past and, especially, they need to know the Lord who will guide them and help them to do what is right.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 78:3-4
things that we have heard and known,
that our fathers have told us.
4 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.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Joel 1:1-3, 14
The word of the Lord that came to Joel, the son of Pethuel:
2 Hear this, you elders;
give ear, all inhabitants of the land!
Has such a thing happened in your days,
or in the days of your fathers?
3 Tell your children of it,
and let your children tell their children,
and their children to another generation.
Consecrate a fast;
call a solemn assembly.
Gather the elders
and all the inhabitants of the land
to the house of the Lord your God,
and cry out to the Lord.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
