Passing It On
I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, for I am overwhelmed by how much you have done for me. I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord. I will tell everyone that you alone are just and good. O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I have constantly told others about the wonderful things you do. Psalm 71:15-17
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The psalmist, now old, is looking back on his life and the history of his people. Although he has been assailed by the wicked and seen troubles, many and bitter, his first resource has always been God. He is confident that the same God he trusted as a youth will lead him through his present trials to restoration and blessing. Woven throughout Psalm 71 is a theme of gratefulness for God’s faithfulness and protection in the past, even when the psalmist was suffering loneliness, betrayal, and great hardship. However, the psalmist isn’t content just to reminisce about the good things the Lord has done in the past or merely praise God in front of others. His greatest desire is to proclaim the Lord’s power and mighty miracles to the next generation. He calls on God, knowing that he needs divine help to pass on a heritage of faith in the one true God to all who will come after him. We, too, have a great responsibility and privilege to declare God’s power to the next generation. Ask God for the grace and strength to be a role model in your faith, witness, and prayer life to those who follow you.
Prayers:
LORD, let me proclaim your power to this new generation and tell my children, grandchildren, and youth in my church and nation the wonderful things you have done for us. Thank you for your faithfulness in my life through troubles and joy. I pray that a new generation will rise up and be devoted to you.
Quotes:
Each generation of Christians, and each people to which the Christian gospel is preached, makes its own contribution to the understanding of the riches of Jesus Christ.
C. B. Moss
The One Year Bible Readings for today are: Deuteronomy 13:1–15:23; Luke 8:40–9:6; Psalm 71:1-24 and Proverbs 12:5-7.
