Psalm 78 verses 4-7 (NIV)
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.
He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which 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.
This really struck me today. We have such a responsibility to pass on the gospel to those who are coming after us. So many people who are coming to seek God now know so very little about the truth and have no grounding in the word of God. It feels like a whole generation has grown up knowing nothing of God. They didn’t go to Sunday school as so many of us did when we were little, and the Bible is no longer taught in schools. We have failed that generation and must repent of that.
We must also ensure that the children that are coming to Church must be supported and encouraged to grow in their own faith. Their testimony will speak to their peers, just like my friend’s testimony as a teenager had a major impact on me.
That’s also why I rejoice when I see our young people participate in church services using their musical ability as part of our worship.
But we can’t pass on something if we don’t follow it through ourselves. We would be wise to follow the advice given by Paul to his protege Timothy. “Make every effort to present yourself to God as one who is approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, correctly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) to ensure that another generation doesn’t grow up knowing nothing of the goodness and greatness of God.
Dear Lord,
Forgive me for my retiscence in times past to share Your word. Help me to be bolder, and to encourage young people in the church, as well as those young in the faith, to be able to handle Your word and to pass it on to others. Thank You that Your word is living and active and sharper than a two edged sword. Help me also not to neglect my responsibility to handle it correctly. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.