SCRIPTURE: Psalm 78
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
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. [Psalm 78:4]
The psalmist is telling children the story of their people, how God rescued them and how the people rebelled against Him – again and again.
He explains why it is so important to pass on to the next generation the wisdom of history and experience, as well as the message of God.
He commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. [Psalm 78:5-7]
People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. [Luke 18:15]
It makes sense that the parents want to bring their children to Jesus, they sincerely desire their children to be blessed.
But the disciples seem to think that Jesus is too busy to care about the children, He has more important adult concerns to think of.
But true to the wisdom of Psalm 78, Jesus values the next generation and their need to know, because the kingdom of God belongs to them too.
But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” [Luke 18:16-17]
In fact, says Jesus, instead of trying to make children like adults, adults have to become more like children: teachable, dependent, receptive.
Whatever your views on christian eduction, these passages show us that all christians are called and responsible for some form of christian education, for teaching them the wisdom of God and bringing them to Jesus!
By our example, by our prayers, by our Christ-like communication, we need to pass on our experience of God and Jesus.
Through parables and stories and wisdom sayings and life lessons, we need to let them know the greatness and goodness of God, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. [Psalm 78:5-7]
By my words, by my example, I am helping (or hindering) the advancement of God’s kingdom message and mercy.
PRAYER:
Lord, in some ways I have tried, in some ways I have failed, to pass on Your message to the next generation. Take my efforts, the good and the bad, and draw the next generation to Yourself.