From: December 26, 2023
“Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power” (Psalm 145:4 NLT).
The psalmist David spoke of the profound job that each generation has to tell its children about God, both His mighty acts and power. The Israelites who took possession of the Promised Land were faithful, but they failed at passing the faith on to their children.
So, the author of the book of Judges observed: “After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10).
Like the passing of the baton in a relay race, each generation must pass the baton of faith to the next. Yet it is up to that generation to take the baton and run with it. Each generation must respond to the gospel for themselves in order to believe and become children of God.
The most important task for every generation is to tell their children of God’s greatest act and expression of His power, namely the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. For it is in telling this good news to them that they are given the best gift one generation can pass to another.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the faithful generations that went before us that the gospel might be handed down to us. Now empower us to do the same that our children and children’s children might know and follow You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: December 26, 2022
MEDITATING ON THE MAJESTY
David was determined to “meditate” on the Lord’s “majestic glorious splendor” and on His “wonderful miracles.” The miracles seem obvious enough to consider. Whatever is beyond natural explanation, whatever seems to be an interruption or suspension of natural law, so that God is the only explanation, these are miracles, are they not? So, David was determined to consider God’s miracles.
But what of God’s “majestic glorious splendor?” What is this? And what is this “meditation” that David was determined to do? The Hebrew translated “meditation” might also be rendered “to study” or “to talk to oneself.” David was intent on a personal study of God’s attributes. He wanted to meditate on God’s regal and heroic brilliance, the weighty beauty of His Highness. He was determined to stare into the sun of God’s perfection and omnipotence.
There are many things in the universe to think about and study. But David was keen on theology, which is the study of God. Let us join David in this pursuit. Let us pull our thoughts off the immediate for a moment and meditate on the majesty of our Lord and our God.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we study and think on many things, but we rarely give sufficient thought to You. Forgive us. Help us to lift our eyes to see You and our ears to hear You. Speak Lord, for we are listening. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: December 26, 2016
The book of Revelation speaks of a time when there will be a united world government and world religion ( called “Babylon”) that will “make war” against the followers of Jesus (“the Lamb”). But they will not prevail, for when Jesus returns, He will come as “Lord of lords and King of kings.” No nation nor power will be able to stand against Him. Nor will they be able to overcome His followers, who are …
(1) “Called” – They have heard the gospel call of Christ and have believed, confessing Him as Lord and Savior.
(2) “Chosen” – Having answered the call of the gospel, they realize that they were first chosen by the Father before they ever knew Him and that they have been adopted into His family.
(3) “Faithful” – They will persevere in the faith because they are sealed with the Holy Spirit who keeps them through all things.
When things in the world seem to come against the followers of Christ, stay awake and stand firm! For these things must come. And remember to rejoice, for Christ has already overcome the world!
From: December 26, 2015
Many important questions are answered by this verse:
– Where is the Lord? “Near.”
– How can I know Him? “Call upon Him in truth.”
- What is truth? Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
You may feel far from God today, but He is only one call away. Just dial J-E-S-U-S!
From: December 26, 2014
Christianity is always only one generation away from extinction. God does not have grandchildren. The faith must be passed on like a baton in a relay race. The Israelites who took possession of the Promised Land were faithful, but they forgot the command to pass their faith on to their children. So, the author of the book of Judges observed: “After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10). Every good parent wants their children to be well educated. But every godly parent knows that the most important task is to teach their children of God’s “mighty acts.”