My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old—things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. Psalm 78:1-3

Devotion

Three years after the American Civil War, John Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, initiated a new holiday to honor the fallen soldiers who died to preserve the union. Graves were adorned with flowers which gave rise to the title, Decoration Day. What began as a way to pay homage to soldiers who fought for the union eventually included both the blue and the gray and over time casualties for many more wars. In 1971, congress officially renamed the holiday Memorial Day and marked the last Monday of May as the official observation. Today it’s seen as the start of summer, a three-day weekend, or big special sales.

It’s not uncommon for people to forget why the holiday exists. Memorial Day is a call to remember. It’s a time of giving thanks for the sacrifices others made. Each year my wife, Karyn, and I watch the National Memorial Day Concert, which is broadcast from the National Mall in Washington, DC. Interspersed between patriotic songs, the stories of those lost in battle are dramatically read. It’s moving. It’s sacred. Christians have another call to remember. Time and again, those who follow God are called to remember him and what he has done. The psalmist writes,

My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old—things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us (Psalm 78:1-3). 

The psalm writer invites the reader to lean in and listen with attentive ears. They say those who don’t pay attention to history are doomed to repeat it. That may not always be true, but the wise look back as they plan forward. And what does the psalmist point back to?

The praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children (Psalm 78:4b-5).

The psalmist reminds the reader who God is and what he expects. Many years ago, while on a mission trip in Kenya, I asked a Kenyan pastor what his favorite book of the Bible was. We’d been together for days and, honestly, I had run out of conversation topics. He was a pastor; I was a pastor; this was a safe question. His answer surprised me: Deuteronomy. I have asked this question of others, and no one has ever named the fifth book in the Old Testament. My follow up question was obvious, why Deuteronomy? His answer was simple. Deuteronomy tells you who God is and what he expects. Do you know who God is and what he expects?

Christians often ignore the Old Testament and appeal to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. If that’s your inclination, then maybe a better question is, do you know who Jesus is and what he expects? Before you answer, yes, I repeat, do you? Many Christians make claims of Jesus that aren’t rooted in the Bible. One of my friends told me he thought if Jesus was ministering today, Jesus would skip church and visit the bars. I asked him how many bars Jesus visited in the New Testament (the answer is none), then I reminded him that time and again Jesus visited the synagogue, “as was his custom,” according to the Gospels. I have no idea if Jesus would go to a bar if he was ministering today, but I am quite confident he’d go to church.

Sometimes in our enthusiasm to talk about the love of Jesus, we give the impression that Jesus echoes the old Billy Joel tune, “don’t go changin’ to try and please me.” As resident theologian Cliff Sanders often says, “The love of God will never give up on you, give out on you, or give into you.” That’s a good quote to put on the refrigerator. Jesus calls followers to follow him. When that happens, God begins a transforming work in us. We develop new desires.

However, it’s not enough to individually reflect on God. The psalmist challenges the reader to remember together—to gather with others and recall what God has done. This is how he puts it:

So the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands (Psalm 78:6-7). 

Parents, grand-parents, teachers, and friends are challenged to share the story of God with the up-and-coming generation. Each generation is encouraged to share with the next. I was born into a believing, church-attending family. I learned from my parents early about the love of God. But it was Mrs. VanKirk, in my pre-K class that presented a simple gospel message and invited us to respond. It was days later when I told my mom that I was ready to invite Jesus into my life. My mom prayed with me, then we called Mrs. VanKirk to share the happy news. The older generation has a key role in the youngest generation.

As we enter the first days of summer, consider two summer challenges:

1. This summer, read through all four Gospels. Pay attention to what Jesus does, and listen to what he says. Put it into practice in your life. No matter how long you’ve followed Christ, there’s always something new to learn and apply.
2. Share the story of God with the younger generation. If you are a parent or grandparent, share with your kids or grandkids how you came to faith and the difference God has made in your life. Let’s remember together what God has done!

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we pause this Memorial Day to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our nation's freedom. Thank you for their courage and service. Just as we honor their memory, we are called to remember you and your mighty deeds. Empower us to remember together, sharing the story of your love with younger generations. May our lives be testimonies of your grace. This summer, guide us as we seek to know Jesus more deeply through the Gospels and as we intentionally share your story with those who come after us. May our remembrance lead to deeper faith and bolder witness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bill Search
OKC Location Pastor 

Resources

• Watch the 5-Day Bible Reading Plan by Pastor Lance Ward.
• Listen to What He’s Done by Kristian Stanfill, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Anna Golden.

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