Each Generation's Responsibility

Psalm 145:4-7: "One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.



In this passage, King David cites the calling of parents and other mature believers to tell new generations of the greatness of God in His glorious splendor as well as His goodness to His creation. David proceeds this word of instruction by describing his worship encounter with God. He says, "I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever . . . . Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom." One does not see a man who has to be coerced to worship the LORD; David is overflowing with passion and praise for the Lord of Hosts!


After the instruction given to the older generations to proclaim God's greatness, David praises God for His goodness: "The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."



Later in the chapter, David continues with a reflection of God's greatness and goodness: "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all He has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing."


This is a great chapter for parents and other mature believers to fulfill their calling to new generations of proclaiming the greatness and the goodness of our Holy God. This should not be a drudgery, but a delight. Older generations should be so overwhelmed by the majesty and goodness of the Lord, that they cannot help but shout praises to God. Our children should be able to see that our lives are bursting with joy and celebration for Our Lord. If we're unchanged by the presence of Christ in our lives, our children will see the duplicity of lifeless spirituality and will be turned away from such irreverence.

Be transformed. Be overcome. Be joyous. Be awestruck. Let the next generation see the power of a life radically impacted by our Glorious and Good God!