One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. (Ps. 145:4)
My grandma is a great cook. She was blessed with two sons and no daughters, so my dad and uncle learned how to cook from an early age. Turkey noodles, steamed potatoes, fried chicken—if you’d find it in a rural Missouri kitchen, my grandma could make it, and she taught my dad how to make it. I was raised in a home where my father was the primary chef (although my mom can really hold her own). Unsurprisingly, my sister and I learned from Dad, and we followed suit. It’s no wonder that I can confidently prepare an entire Thanksgiving meal today!
Handing down skills from generation to generation is important; it’s the historical reason societies flourish or flounder. Handing down spiritual principles outweighs skills because souls are at stake. This passage demonstrates the practice of spiritual heritage, where older generations tell younger ones about the Lord’s deeds, majesty, power, and goodness. Remembering God’s goodness is not enough; we must joyfully sing of his righteousness for all to hear (v. 7)!
I learned to cook because my grandma cooked, and she taught my dad. Similarly, there is a generation who needs to be encouraged in their faith, and the privilege of the aged is to lend faith to the young. If our language is filled with celebration of God’s goodness, it will become a reality to those who come after us.
Pass God’s goodness on to the next generation by sharing it.
Chris McFadden is a doctoral student at Wesley Seminary and an ordained minister, serving Lakin Wesleyan Church in Kansas. He is married to Suzanne and has two beautiful daughters.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
