Psalm 78:1-4
Give ear, O my people, to my instruction. Turn your ear to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth to share a lesson. I will speak about puzzling problems from long ago, things we have heard and known, things our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants. We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders that he has done.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for how this Psalm begins. It is almost as if the Psalmist is yelling at us, “Hey, listen up!” So let us do that and turn our ear to what you are about to say; may we hear the instructions you intend for us.
The lesson you are about to speak is colossal and earth-shattering because we have a puzzling problem that keeps us from you. You created us to be with you forever, but you cannot be united with sin since you are holy and perfect. So how do you get us sinful beings, whom you love, into your perfect heaven? If left alone, we will be eternally condemned because of our sins. To be united with you, we must also be perfect, but no matter how hard we try, we always fall short; our efforts to love miss perfection’s mark every time.
Here is the magnificent news—the great wonder—we need to share with our children and their children: While we are sinners who cannot achieve perfection to be with you, your Son did. Jesus came to this earth, took on human flesh, always living the perfect life we could not, and kept every one of your laws perfectly. He credited us with his perfection, so you see us through his flawlessness.
Then he went to the cross and suffered for our sins; he gave up his life for our salvation. He rose from the dead on the third day, so we have the confidence and sure hope of everlasting life that comes through faith in him.
This is the overwhelming news: through faith in Jesus, we have been made heirs to heaven, no longer your enemies but your children. You have done these wonders; through Christ, you restored us to you. Let us never hide this fantastic news but share it with everyone around us, especially our family and children. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Salvation is the ultimate news one can receive; through faith in Jesus, you have the forgiveness of all your sins, which brings you hope and everlasting life.