The Story

"Give ear, O my people, to my law; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done." (Psalm 78:1-4 NKJ)

The storyteller says, "once upon a time there was . . ." and our children's eyes widen and they gasp in wonder as the story progresses through its various levels and events. As each element is added, the children hope that the hero will win in the end. And that's how we are with God's story.

We tell his testimonies of "once upon a time" so that our children and a new generation of believers will set their hope in God and remember his work. God's story was passed down to our fathers and they passed it down to us, so we must not hide it from our children and grandchildren. The Apostle Paul taught young Pastor Timothy to "commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2 NKJ).

Some may not keep the covenant of God; Some may refuse to walk in His law; Some will even forget His works and marvelous wonders. Alternately, they will demand his blessings, denounce his blessings and deny him, until trouble comes. Then, they may cry unto him and flatter him and call on him as the Most High God. But if their hearts are not faithful to him and their faith is not established in him, then their words and temporary actions are still lies. This is the risk we take when committing God's story to "the generation to come."

Yet, when doubt and fear and trouble come, remembering God's marvelous and gracious acts will serve to renew our faith and drive away our fear and doubt. He redeemed us from the enemy! He sacrificed his Son to give us eternal life! He put all our sin on his Son so that he could put all his Son's righteousness on us! He shepherds us and guides us by his Spirit! His promises are our inheritance!

Dear Father, thank for sharing your story with us. Empower us with the faith to endure so that we may enjoy your victory at the end of your story. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Remember God's story today and share it with the next generation,