Give ear, O my people, to my law; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,
Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children,
Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord,
And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.
For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel,
Which He commanded our fathers,
That they should make them known to their children;
That the generation to come might know them,
The children who would be born,
That they may arise and declare them to their children,
That they may set their hope in God,
And not forget the works of God,
But keep His commandments;
- Psalm 78:1-7
As we enter a new school year here in the UK, let’s keep this exhortation from the Psalms in mind. Whatever your reason for home educating in this season, whether you’re just starting out, or nearing the finishing line, know that as you prepare your lessons, ready the workbooks, and map your curriculum, you are obeying God’s command to tell His praises, His strength, and His works to your children.
This passage speaks of a never-ending transfer of knowledge. It encompasses all stages of family life, from the fathers who have gone before, to the children who are yet to be born. It is the responsibility of each link in the chain, of each generation, to share the knowledge of God with the next. Specifically, we are told of three elements in the periodic table of testimony for us to remember.
First, we should remember His praises. As we teach our children of the wonderful world that God has made, we should ensure that their minds are full not only of the wonder of the creation, but of the Creator. The rainbow in the sky, the falling leaves, and the intricacies of mathematics, serve to give daily reminders of the greatness of the God who made the stars also.
Next, we can show our children the strength of the God that we serve. When children wilt under the pressure of the daily grind, when little hearts and minds weary at the thought of more sums and words to learn, let us lead them to the source of our strength in times past, and theirs in times to come. Bring them to the Saviour who never grows weary, help them find renewed vigour in His arms.
Finally, we are to tell them of the works of God. It is so easy to wander through life, with minds full of the provision, but with little thought of the Provider. Don’t forget, think back. Remember His works of old in your life, and then tell them. Tell them how you were saved, tell them about rescues on the side of the motorway, of provision in times of need, of peace in times of sorrows. Fill them with the wonder of the all-powerful God who saved you, yes even you.
God is good, pass it on.