Covenant Psalms

God's word is to be passed down to generations for the people to keep on referencing God, know about His purpose and appreciate His work. Psalm 78:5 - He (God) 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. The followings are discussed: Serve God Only;  celebrate God's Faithfulness, and Teach Truth to Succeeding Generations.

Serve God Only: At various occasions God warned His people to not leave Him and follow after worship of idols. God's warning sometimes came as a plead to the people to flee sinful acts because such acts would corrupt them morally and spiritually, destroy individuals, families and even the nation (Psalm 81:8-12). The warning was to help the people reject the path of destruction and do what would make them receive God's blessing and experience divine intervention.

On the call to return to Him, God implores His people to follow and walk in His ways as obedience to this would bring blessings and lead to victory over the enemies (Psalm 81:13-16). Because God's warning hold true people are enjoined to seek the Lord while He may be found and call upon Him while He is near (Isaiah 55:6-7). God shows mercy and forgives sins but will judge those who continue in disobedience.

Celebrate God's Faithfulness: God is faithful to His plan for establishment of a New Covenant through the root of David. The Psalmist celebrated God's faithfulness for the New Covenant that would be fulfilled and which would make it easier for the people to experience true love and mercy of God Psalm 89:1-18). It is obvious that Davidic Covenant through David seed for all generations has been fulfilled through Jesus Christ. God is to be feared and referenced for being truthful to His covenant, and for His power to show mercy and do justice. God should be praised for His power over the creation and love for His people.

Teach Truth to Succeeding Generations: Verses 1 to 3 of Psalm 78 implores people to listen to teachings and meditate on the word of God. Teachings may be presented in parables and often make idea clearer even if it is hidden below the surface. Jesus often made unknown or hidden things known through teachings in parables using ordinary things people could see around and understand.

People are encouraged to pass God's word and command down to generations by teaching children. God's wonderful deeds and testimonies from those He has used to declare His work must be made known to the next generation. In order to achieve this Christians must teach their children the scripture and show them how to trust and obey God (Psalm 78:4-8 ). The scripture reveals the love and power of God, and teaches people the ways of God. Each family and the entire church must be actively involved in teaching the next generation to know and serve God. The scripture reminds us of fulfillment of God's covenant, work of Christ on earth and God's plan for the future.
Lesson texts: Psalm 78:1-8; 81:8-16: 89:1-18.