Title: Faith of Our Fathers (and Mothers)/ Topic: Indoctrination

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 38; Ezekiel 39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20

Scripture: Psalm 145:4, 13-14, 18-20
4 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.
13 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.
14 The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

Observation: I love this Psalm! It contains such a beautiful description of God and what he is like. It also gives an instruction to adults, whether they are parents or not. We adults are to tell the generations after us about the Lord. We are to speak of what he has personally done for us and we are to teach children what he is like; who he is. This psalm brings out a number of key elements that we have the responsibility to make sure those who follow us understand: 1. God is the ultimate authority in the universe and his kingdom is everlasting (v.13) 2. He is faithful and loving (v.13) 3. He helps the weak and lifts those who are burdened (v.14) 4. The Lord is near (involved and personal) to all and listens to those who pray to him in truth (without ulterior motives) (v. 18) 5. He fulfills the heart desires of those who fear him and protects them (v.19) 6. The Lord always watches over those who love him for their good but the wicked will be destroyed! (v. 20)

Application: If God considers these truths to be the important ones we focus on, we need to make sure we adequately indoctrinate our young people with these messages. God stresses his supremacy, his love and faithfulness to all who love him, and his judgment of wickedness. I think it's especially important that young people understand that God doesn't mind their weakness (v.14), he just wants them to call on him, love and trust him. I need to make sure I am passing on the message.

Prayer: Father, help me to be consistently speaking of you, what you've done in my life, and of the beauty of your character to young people. May I take every opportunity to praise you before them. And may they listen, learn and respond in faith.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.