Even though I was born after WWII and the depression, those events still have much to teach me. I can learn best from those who actually lived it. By engaging with our elders, we hear them recount first-hand what happened. Questions can be asked. Scars can be touched. Lessons can be learned, … if we are willing. The next generations, though, will have to hear these things from books or from others like you and me, but second hand at best. It is not the same. It seems farther away and less relevant, yet the lessons remain important to pass on.
In Deuteronomy 11, as Moses was calling the people to obedience, he reminds them of the great works that God did in rescuing them from Egypt. He reminds them that they saw it with their own eyes, but also that their children did not. Their experience was not only a call to obedience, reinforced by seeing God’s faithfulness, but a duty to teach their children.
It is important that history is passed down so we can learn. This is also true for our spiritual history. How has God been faithful in your life? God reminded the Israelites to tell their story - recount God’s faithfulness in all the great acts and miracles that He did on their behalf. They saw it, their children did not. We have seen acts of faithfulness, too. Tell others. Let them ask questions. Affirm God’s faithfulness. This will build their faith (and maybe ours as well.) Your next generation will see great things too, but until then will need to rely on your remembrance.
Tell of God’s faithfulness to you. And live in such a way its Truth is affirmed.
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. John 20:29
