Psalms 78:4-8 NLT
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. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them— even the children not yet born— and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors— stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.
PERSONAL COMMENTARY
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Oh, how it would bring such joy to my heart for the next generations to not walk in the same rebellious nature that I walked.
Yes, I’m so thankful for the example that God has shown me, that He has proven to my rebellious spirit that those fleshly pleasures of the world eventually lose their flavor – but I had to learn this through experience, I was not wise enough to listen to my elders. And there were stripes of shame and guilt, and pains of consequences that I have to bear as a result of my strong willed rebellion against God’s will.
His ways are so far above my understanding that I don’t know why, but I know that His hand is on my life. Many did not walk safely through the darkness of deep rebellion, many have become trapped in addiction, imprisoned for their crimes, sickened crippled by the consequences of the same decisions, killed by the same choices – but He brought me through the midst of it all.
But I don’t want the next generations to face these same struggles of rebellion, so I share truth with them. They do not have to carry such heavy burdens.
So please, let’s teach little Mia and all of the children of this generation the truth of God’s mercy and love and forgiveness – but not forget that they need to understand that He is a Holy and righteous God, and that we should know respect and honor and awe of our creator.
Because if we teach them respectful fear of the Lord, they might know wisdom and not have to bear such heavy burdens before they know his love and mercy and forgiveness and grace. Man’s nature is to rebel and to chase these earthly pleasures that we can see touch, taste, and smell – but we need them to understand those things unseen are so much more important.
Help me know how to teach the awe, respect, and fear of God, while still demonstrating His love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace. I do not want these little ones to walk in either lawlessness or legalism, but to find and walk the narrow path, holding hands with the Good Shepherd, knowing and following His voice.
Help us, Lord – to be the teaching example both in our words and actions to all of the little eyes and hearts that watch us each day. Let them see you in us. Let them look past our many failings to find you living in our hearts.
Harold J. Ballinger 