If I Could Do My Ministry Over Again . . . (Part Three)

Reflecting on 54 years of ministry, I have shared what I would change and what inspires me—Psalm 78. Let’s take a closer look at that psalm.

Psalm 78:1-4—

Asaph expresses an intense desire that the present generation not repeat the failures of so many past generations: “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” (nkjv).

Psalm 78:5-8—

Asaph now outlines the ideal for teaching a generation about the greatness of God. What should happen embraces four generations: “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 that 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” (nkjv). It’s easy to get lost in all the generations, but if you follow carefully you will discover four generations affected for good and for God.

Final Thoughts: The psalmist gives us an awesome challenge. He urges fathers (and mothers) to think about the amazing impact they can have on four generations. I have children (generation 1), grandchildren (generation 2), and great-grandchildren (generation 3). Known only to God will be generation 4, yet to be born. How can I shape this “multitude” for good and for God? They’re scattered across the nation! Life was so different when I was growing up—all my brothers and cousins lived close by.

Should I use the technology of our day, such as Facebook and e-mail? Should I schedule family reunions or send out a monthly newsletter? Should I rotate my phone calling to keep in touch? It says in Acts 13:36 that “David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep [and] was buried with his fathers.” I want to serve God like David. But I know that if two or three generations are going to be touched deeply for God, I must be intentional about it. Lord, help me to keep this promise.