Suggested Bible Reading: Psalm 73, 77-78
Devotional Thought:
Title: “We Must Teach Each Generation.”
Psalm 78 recounts the history of Israel from the Exodus and the wilderness wanderings until the time of David. There is also, in verses 42-51, a kind of interlude, a brief excursus back into Egypt before the Exodus to recall God’s plagues upon the Egyptians preparatory to the deliverance of His people. In all that happened to Israel of old there is edification and encouragement, rebuke and comfort, for the people of God today. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning.” (Rom 15:4) Asaph sees ancient history as a great parable. He speaks of “dark sayings” a word which signifies an enigma, a riddle, truth clothed in metaphor. These will be appreciated by the spiritual, exercised heart, but will be unintelligible and unprofitable to the carnal mind. Asaph will “utter” these dark sayings. The word implies a bubbling up and a pouring forth as from a fountain. There was much to be said, and much to be learned, from the history of the nation, for those who sincerely wished to be taught. This is his purpose then, to teach from history lessons for saints who come after. Several times in this opening section the Psalmist makes reference to the fathers, their children, and, the generation to come. Each generation must recount these things for the succeeding ones. The magnitude of God, His strength, and the wonders He had wrought must be told again and again. The fathers must instruct the children, so that they will arise and tell the story to their children. Parents fail their children when they do not regularly take teachable moments with their children to express the magnitude of His Person. Michelle has always been amazing at taking real life opportunities with our children and showing them how good God is and has been to us. God had established a testimony in the nation of Israel and it must be preserved. He had appointed His law in Israel and it must be taught to the children. It was essential that it should be transmitted from generation to generation, for three main reasons; (1) that their hope might be fixed in God, (2) that they might never forget the works of God, and (3) that they might keep His commandments. Obedience to God’s commandments would preserve the children from the failures of the fathers. There had been a stubborn and rebellious generation in the past that had grieved the Lord. Their hearts had not been right. They had not been steadfast for God, and they had been unfaithful to His design and calling. It was the desire of God, and of the Psalmist, that their children would be different. This is the purpose of this wonderful psalm. Will you be a parent or grandparent who takes up the challenge to educate a different generation about the wonder of our Creator and Savior!
Personal Prayer Request:
- Lord, please help me to teach my children of the wonderful attributes that help us to understand your person.
- Lord, please help me to teach my children and grandchildren of your great plans that help us understand your purposes.
- Lord, please help me to teach my children and grandchildren of your incredible strength that help us to understand your power.