Pass On Hope to Future Generations
Daily Scripture
Psalm 78:1-8, Proverbs 9:10-12
Psalm 78
1 Listen, my people, to my teaching;
tilt your ears toward the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth with a proverb.
I’ll declare riddles from days long gone—
3 ones that we’ve heard and learned about,
ones that our ancestors told us.
4 We won’t hide them from their descendants;
we’ll tell the next generation
all about the praise due the LORD and his strength—
the wondrous works God has done.
5 He established a law for Jacob
and set up Instruction for Israel,
ordering our ancestors
to teach them to their children.
6 This is so that the next generation
and children not yet born will know these things,
and so they can rise up and tell their children
7 to put their hope in God—
never forgetting God’s deeds,
but keeping God’s commandments—
8 and so that they won’t become like their ancestors:
a rebellious, stubborn generation,
a generation whose heart wasn’t set firm
and whose spirit wasn’t faithful to God.
Proverbs 9
10 The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD;
the knowledge of the holy one is understanding.
11 Through me your days will be many;
years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, it is to your benefit;
if you are cynical, you will bear it all alone.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
Resurrection’s Student Ministry carries on God’s people’s long history of valuing teaching and learning. Israel’s sacred poets showed that teaching was not just to satisfy random human curiosity, but to grasp and pass on the knowledge of God’s powerful acts to future generations. God’s purpose transcends any age distinctions we might make. Jesus continued that focus: “Jesus began to teach anyone who would listen regardless of gender, status, or age.” *
- Psalm 78 said that while learning, of course, has present benefits, it is strongly future-focused. God’s followers, through the centuries, have played a major role in starting many types of schools. That’s because their faith teaches them to care about future generations, not merely their comfort and security. How important is it to you that your faith doesn’t just make your life better, but reaches those who will be here after you’re gone?
- Commentator Donald Williams wrote, “What is the purpose for this teaching?… it creates ‘hope in God,’ revealing the living God who keeps His covenant and redeems His people. Second, it reminds Israel of God’s ‘works’ (‘saving deeds’), protecting her from forgetting Him. Third, it leads to obedience.” ** What people have played central roles in sharing those three kinds of teaching with you? Which of them (one or all) can you best share with future generations?
Prayer
Lord God, I want to live a life with the big picture aim of helping both present and future generations know your strength and ultimate righteousness. Please guide me. Amen.
GPS Insights
Ginny Howell
Ginny Howell, who serves as the Worship Experience Director for Resurrection, wrote today's Insights. She leads the church’s efforts to provide radical hospitality and an excellent worship experience across all of our locations. She’s a mom to three, g-momma to one sweet little boy, and shares much of her time with her closest companion, a rescued Pit Bull named Lola.
I held his hand as we walked towards the school building this morning, but as we got closer, he let go and excitedly walked ahead. We had been here before for kindergarten round-up, and he saw some teachers that he recognized as we made our way in. Before we got all the way to the building, he spontaneously said, “G-mama, I am not nervous about anything.”
My heart felt a little lighter hearing him utter those words, and I think saying them out loud was good for his heart too. We’d had a bit of pre-kindergarten anxiety in the last few weeks, but I am not sure I’ve ever met a kid more ready for kindergarten. He’s an extrovert, always happier around a broad group of friends. He’s curious and a thinker, asking lots of questions and keeping the rest of us on our toes. He’s a caring friend with a contagious laugh, always including others and generously reaching out to those who look like they need a hug.
As we were nearing this milestone day for my grandson, I had been reflecting on what it took to get here and how many people poured into helping him be who he is today. From family and friends, teachers and coaches to physicians and therapists, so many have encouraged and influenced this confident, sweet kindergartener. There’s Charlie, the neighbor across the street who never misses an opportunity to say hello and watch him ride his bike and always answers the door when a curious boy rings the bell just to see what he’s doing. And coach Mitch, who helped him develop the muscle-memory to wait his turn in line and keep his eyes focused on the teacher, so he’d know what to do when it was his turn. And Justin and BJ, and so many others, who lead music across all of our locations and share fist bumps, high fives and give a thumbs up (even while they are playing during a service) for this adoring little boy who often describes himself as ‘a really good drummer’.
Just as I am reading in our Scripture for today, the investments we make in teaching and encouraging the next generation are abundant in bearing fruit for our descendants.
As I hear my grandson sing Holy, Holy, Holy in his bubble bath at the end of the night, or as my living room floor shakes when he sings his VBC songs and jumps around doing ALL the actions, I am overflowing with gratitude for the interconnectedness that we all share. Never doubt the power of your attentiveness to others, especially our youngest ones. Even without words at times, you have the ability to teach, shape and mold by the ways you live out your faith each and every day.
© 2026 Resurrection: A United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
References
* Ortberg, John, Who Is This Man?: The Unpredictable Impact of the Inescapable Jesus (p. 63). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. For a more in-depth study of Jesus’ effect on education than space here allows, see chapter 5, “An Undistinguished Visiting Scholar,” in Ortberg’s remarkable book.
** Donald Williams, The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 14: Psalms 73–150. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989, p. 53.
