Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Passing the Faith Along

I will open my mouth in parables,
I will utter hidden things, things from of old -
what we have heard and known,
what our fathers have told us.

We will not hide them from their children;
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 forefathers 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. (Psalm 78:1-6)

Did you notice how many times the Psalmist speaks of "parents," "children," or "the next generation"?

He is making a statement: "Those who came before us told us. We will tell those who come after us."

It is an important idea in Hebrew and Christian teaching: passing the faith along.

Think about it: you know God because someone told you about God.

Maybe it was a parent or grandparent.

Maybe it was a Sunday school teacher or youth leader.

Maybe it was a neighbor or a friend.

Think about the people you have the opportunity to tell.

Are you being intentional in their lives?

Are you praying for them on a regular basis?

Why not thank God for those who have led you in the faith right now?

Why not take a moment and ask the Spirit to be at work in and through you today?

Grace & peace

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