“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.” Psalms 78:5-8 NLT
Asaph’s plea to remember. This psalm, inserted in the book of Psalms, late in David’s life, has a certain reminiscence, a way of not forgetting. And, most importantly, telling the story of God to each generation.
Generational stories, both how and when they are told, is an interesting phenomenon. I can’t speak for my entire generation, being born at the outset of the sixties turmoil and revolution – the results of the fifties not so subtlety questioning all authority. I was raised around senior retirees, spending my summers with my grandparents. I grew to love their stories, their connections with neighbors who became friends. Time passed very, very slowly for me while they talked about life and current events. They not only taught me about the senior pace of life but also the senior patience, learning to listen and build deep and meaningful connections. Was I just an “old soul,” as they say? I don’t think so. My grandparents taught me to love people’s life stories, a mix of triumph and tragedy. They were not followers of Jesus either!
When I read Asaph’s words and the passion for God and His commands, I think about the stories I tell my own children and grandchildren. Do I have the time, patience and courage to teach my progeny to listen well? Sometimes, I feel that stories are all I have to offer! My words, ways and cultural differences are glaringly “old school,” “OG,” as they say. “Oh Dad and his classic, retro thoughts and stories,” they aren’t current or progressive. They are certainly not meme or reels worthy! I find myself pushing through the blowback comments, common among those trying to tell their story – “Dad, we’ve heard it before.” Sadly, I find myself repeating a similar response to my own aging father-in-law – “Dad, I’ve heard that one before.” Much of content containing the overused, “dad-jokes” category.
Asaph had a good point to make, a godly point to remind us of. The stories help each generation set its hope anew on God! Was it just about remembering all the rules? No, it was far more than that. It was all about remembering God’s glorious miracles too! All of this was a way to help future generations to NOT be stubborn, rebellious and unfaithful. God help us if one generation produces a stubborn, rebellious, unfaithful group of children, teens, young adults and possibly parents themselves! A future generation that refuses to give their hearts to God.
Generational cycles happen. We clearly see this in the leadership lineage of Israel. One godly king may produce an ungodly or godly son and future king. It seems like an unpredictable pattern. Yet, through all of that zigzag, rollercoaster-ride heritage, eventually came the Savior, Jesus came out of similar generational milieu that we face today. This gives me hope. This inspires me to tell the big God stories, to hold on His truth and obey His commands. I will not forget to tell of God’s miracles!
Prayer
Dad,
I could never forget! I will never forget where I came from, nor who I was when you found me, received me, adopted me and changed EVERYTHING in my life. I will tell of your miracles. I will tell of your mercy and patience to father me. I will tell of your Word that is perfect, true, reliable and beautiful!