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;
– Psalm 78:5
As I began to reflect on the topic of testimony, something I quickly observed is a progression that connects the word for today and the words of my two most recent posts. In Psalm 65:8 our attention was on Awe, followed by consideration of the benefits of Ponder in Psalm 77:12. The progression may be obvious. Awe is what happens when we observe things that display the majesty of God. Once we have stood in awe of God’s mighty works, we do well to ponder them. It gives the opportunity for the impact of those works to “soak in” rather than quickly fade in our memory. Awe and pondering then leave us with something: a testimony.
Testimony carries weight. Casual comments are easily thrown around without much sense of accountability. A testimony, though, holds one responsible, and for good reason when we consider potential impact. We often think of a testimony as something given under oath of truthfulness. It is given with the understanding that the testimony may affect the lives of people and set events in motion. In a trial court, a key witness has the ability to offer testimony that can make or break a case. Testimony demonstrates the power of the word, written or spoken.
For the writer of Psalm 78, the people with the testimony function like a key witness, able to turn the direction of events for generations to come. The charge to the people is to pass along to their children and grandchildren the knowledge of God’s great works. Why? “That they should put their confidence in God, and not forget the works of God” (v. 7a). What will that accomplish? They will “keep His commandments, and not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation” (v. 7b-8a). God left a testimony with His chosen people. It would be to their great benefit if the testimony is given continuously, and to their peril if forgotten.
My father often told me that you can learn from your own mistakes or learn from the mistakes of others. One is obviously less painful than the other. Looking back I have to admit that I often chose the more painful path, but it wasn’t that my father didn’t try. He and my mother worked to pass on the testimony of wisdom they had gained through life experiences. Among the many profitable things they planted in me was the account of how God had worked in their lives, that I might come to understand the blessing of trusting my life to the Lord.
The generations coming behind you and me deserve to know the joy, the benefit, of serving the Lord. In many instances, what they see is religion that looks burdensome practiced only out of a sense of obligation. What we can show them is faith that springs forth from joyful obedience to a Great Shepherd who cares, protects, and provides. The first might appear baseless; the second is grounded in testimony. We are people who KNOW the mighty acts of God culminated in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Tell the story to the generations following you. Leave for them the testimony of an awesome God.
I love to tell the story,
It did so much for me;
And that is just the reason
I tell it now to thee.
– Arabella Katherine Hankey
The Winding Path 