Generation to Generation; Testimony and Law

Psalm 78:5-8
For He established a testimony in Jacob,
And appointed a law in Israel,
Which He commanded our fathers,
That they should make them known to their children;
That the generation to come might know them,
The children who would be born,
That they may arise and declare them to their children,
That they may set their hope in God,
And not forget the works of God,
But keep His commandments;
And may not be like their fathers,
A stubborn and rebellious generation,
A generation that did not set its heart aright,
And whose spirit was not faithful to God.

We have a testimony, a story of God's faithfulness, to pass along to the next generation. We have a law, a way to live right, to teach to the next generation. By our testimony they will know God, His character, His nature, His commitment to His people. By His law, they will learn to obey Him and walk in His blessing. Or message should be simple and clear; because this is who God is (testimony), this is how we should live (law). We must proclaim a lifestyle rooted in the character of God rather than one rooted in religiosity, humanistic morality or societal expectations. We cannot be expedient and focus on just the law. We cannot be timid and proclaim only His testimony. The testimony and the law to hand-in-hand to bring the next generation to full faith, obedience and blessing.

God, make my message clear. Give me wisdom and words to proclaim Your testimony and Your law to the children entrusted to me that they may know You and obey You. Help me avoid expedience and timidity. Give me boldness and vision to proclaim both who You are and how we should live. Bless this next generation to know You and experience Your presence. Raise up children who will teach children to teach children of Your faithfulness and Your way. Redeem the next generation from the captivity we have passed onto them and bring them into Your kingdom. Amen