Deeper Reflection
PSALM 78 RECOUNTS THE STORY OF THE PEOPLE OF Israel’s persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness towards God and their redemption by the mercy and faithfulness of God. We will consider the first eight verses in two parts over two days to see what we can learn about passing on the Christian faith to the next generation.Telling the next generation begins with us listening to God’s redemptive story. The Psalmist began here with an exhortation to “give ear” and “incline our ears” to the “parable” that he was narrating (vv.1-2). Why did the Psalmist recount the history of Israel in this psalm? He did so to emphasise the theological significance of Israel’s wilderness journey after the exodus from Egypt, highlighting negative examples of the past generation so that the present and future generations would know how they ought to follow the Lord their God. They were not to repeat their forefathers’ sins of rebellion and disobedience against the Lord. The Psalmist desired that the future of Israel would be much better than the past.By listening closely to God’s redemptive story from the past generations, Christians living today can humbly learn precious historical lessons and then actively tell future generations the stories of God’s works of power, righteousness, mercy and faithfulness. Let us carry out our responsibility to tell the next generation “the glorious deeds of the LORD, and His might, and the wonders that He has done” (v.4), especially through His Son Jesus Christ. Let us be bold and creative in telling the next generation the stories of God and His wondrous works, that they may walk faithfully with Him!