We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. Psalm 78:4 (NLT)
It seems as if every family has its own traditions, whether they make sense or not. We imitate and treasure the things we learn from our parents, and we pass on those same traditions, ideals and values to our own children. If something is important to us, we naturally want to shart it with our children. But what is the most important thing we can hand down to the next generation? The psalmist says:
…we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done … to teach their children, so that the next generation would know them … and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God… Psalm 78:4-7 (NIVUK)
Who’s responsible for telling the next generation? “We will not hide these truths.” We must assist in the preservation and transmission of all God’s revelation to the next generation. The verb “hide” in this verse has a very specific meaning. It means to keep something back, to refuse to make something known. When someone was asked to report something they were often charged “not to hide anything”, similar to asking someone to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth today.
Share with them God’s mighty deeds recorded in the Bible. Share with them about men and women whom God has used mightily throughout history. Check out some good biographies at the Christian bookshop. Share with them personal stories of how God has answered prayer in your life. Let them see the impact God has on your faith in everyday struggles and trials. Most of all, share with them what God has done through the sending of his Son Jesus to bring us salvation.
Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. Psalm 145:4 (NLT)
…so the next generation might know them – even the children not yet born – and they in turn will teach their own children. Psalm 78:6 (NLT)
Joshua learned a great deal from Moses and his generation, leaving behind this wonderful statement:
As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15 (NIV)
But the very next generation was described as one which knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Karl Marx said that to conquer a nation you just have to block the transfer of values, morals and beliefs between generations. May we do our part to transmit God’s truth.
…we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. Psalm 78:4 (NLT)
Father, thank You that You are the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. You’re the God of the succeeding generations. Help us to teach our children and their children’s children to know You and Your ways. May their heritage not be lost on our watch. May this rising generation in Ireland truly know You! Amen