Psalm 78 – Teaching Our Descendants
Okay, so this is going to sound kind of strange, but here is how I decided what Psalm to post today. As I was driving back from the frame shop with my son, we passed a number 78 bus. The number 78 just jumped out at me and I decided right then that I was going to post this Psalm, having no idea exactly what it said.
But once I read the Psalm, I realized it fit perfectly with something I’ve been thinking about lately. I’ve been thinking about how important it is for us to teach our children about the grace that comes only from Jesus. We have to teach them that loving God and loving others is the most important thing in this life.
I’ve only posted the first stanza of this Psalm. If you want to read all of Psalm 78, click here.
Psalm 78
A maskil of Asaph.
1 My people, hear my teaching;
listen to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth with a parable;
I will utter hidden things, things from of old—
3 things we have heard and known,
things our ancestors have told us.
4 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.
5 He decreed statutes for Jacob
and established the law in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors
to teach their children,
6 so the next generation would know them,
even the children yet to be born,
and they in turn would tell their children.
7 Then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget his deeds
but would keep his commands.
8 They would not be like their ancestors—
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
whose hearts were not loyal to God,
whose spirits were not faithful to him.
Share this:
If more of us would tell of the things the Lord does for us – in a natural, humble way – more people might SEE the living God and come to know Christ.
As one who has been involved in children’s and youth ministry for several decades I believe it is the most important, or at least one of the most important, functions of the Church. Yes, it is primarily the parents’ responsibility to teach their children spiritually, but sadly, this isn’t the case in most families.
We need to instill a Biblical worldview in our children long before their minds are corrupted by worldly teachings.
This is so true – if only we would not be afraid do say “the Lord did this for me” in a humble way. Sometimes I am bold in sharing what He has done, other times not so much. But I’m definitely getting better than I used to be.
As for parents’ responsibility to teach children spiritual things, I think that first the parents must understand, and that is not always the case. The church needs to offer more spiritual teaching than Sunday morning sermons. I think that sometimes the best parents can do is to bring their children to church and Sunday school so that they can learn of God that way.
And we need to always remember to pray for our children. My son has a good Biblical foundation, and now that he is a teenager I spend much more time praying that God would strengthen his faith, hold tight to him, so that he doesn’t become lost in this world. Thanks for for your insightful comment. Peace, Linda
I certainly agree that the Church needs to offer children MUCH more spiritual teaching than just Church and Sunday School. In phoning pastors concerning a children’s ministry program I have been appalled to receive the response “Oh we’re not interested in CHILDREN! We concentrate on the adults and they’ll bring the children with them.”
A very resounding Amen to that last para. I believe teenagers are the most vulnerable people in society. As they enter high school (here in Australia at least) they are faced with enormous pressures to conform to the world. The majority of high schoolers here soon disappear from Church services and activities. Those who continue on to university encounter even more pressure. Teenagers certainly need our prayers.
Thank you, Linda, so much. You are telling us not only His word, but also what He has done for you personally. With just how you came to choose this Psalm, and now here I read Margaret’s comment and April’s . . .so we see first hand how God works and we can pass it on. April’s comment has me in tears, but also prayer.
God bless you and all that He is to you!
Deb, God is just so awesome! In church this morning our pastor talked about how God created us for relationship, both with Him and with each other. One of the best ways we share relationship is when we share how our relationship with Him enriches our lives. Peace, Linda
Hi Linda,
Every single one of us is supposed to share all that God has done with those around us….. Parents witness to children and children witness to parents….. All that helps us to remember and not get distracted when we are faced with the troubles of this world….. God has done marvelous things and we dare not forget any of them.
There are so many things that vie for our attention, but the most important thing is the truths of God….. If we look only at the things of this world, we will quickly be enticed to forget the things of God….. Knowing this, God’s wisdom tells us to teach the truths of God….. God wants us to care for each other in love and truth.
Love,
Margaret
Margaret, So very true! Thank you for adding this important reminder. And the things that God has done that we are to share are not just in the Bible; He works in our lives all the time and it is to Him we must give the glory for all our blessings. Peace, Linda
Linda, This was so timely. This past Friday, our family received some very bad news. My son’s best friend in High School who had taken many trips with us, was swimming this past Thursday on the coast of San Diego (stationed there-in the Marines) he got caught in a rip tide and could not swim out of it. Officials are still looking today. Then, this afternoon, I received a beautiful note from his younger brother. This note demonstrated a child being raised in grace, taught what grace is and what a true relationship is with Christ. Sometimes, people get so angry and bitter in such a situation but instead, I got the most beautiful testimony. Pray for the Yeckering family. Also, pray for my son. He not only lost a best buddy but a brother, too.
Blessings, April
April, Thank you for sharing this. I will certainly keep this family and yours in my prayers. It is true that so many turn away from God in times of tragedy, wanting to blame Him. But thankfully many turn to Him for comfort in times of loss in this broken and hurting world. What a blessing for this young man who wrote to you was taught of the grace of God by his parents. Peace, Linda