Teach and Remember

When it comes right down to it, leading the next generation is simply a matter of teaching and remembering. We pass down truth to our children based on our past experiences; remembering times when we experienced both success and failure in the hopes of making their pathways less treacherous. Lessons learned in our life experiences often have great value. Accordingly Scripture, especially the Old Testament, is filled with instruction to pass knowledge down from generation to generation.

Psalm 78 begins with a charge to hear what the psalmist is teaching (v.1)--instruction that was learned from the things that were made known from their fathers (v. 2-3). Then comes the promise that this knowledge will be passed on to their children so that they will know of the glorious deeds, wonders and might of the Lord (v. 4).

The remainder of the psalm goes on to explain why this is so important. The history of God's people was one of covenant promise and blessing, disobedience, punishment, repentance and finally, restoration. The psalmist's purpose is clear--to recount the events of the past so that future generations of God's people would take these lessons to heart and not make the same mistakes of rebellious generations before them. Of particular note is how the psalmist recalls how God continually delivered his people, gave provision and upheld his covenant promises in spite of their disobedience (v. 13, 15-16, 20, 23-29, 38-39, 43-55, 70-72).

Our job as God's men hasn't changed. We must teach the next generation and remember the mighty deeds and wonders of our Lord, so that they will know the One who guides us with his upright heart and skillful hand (v. 72).