As a child, I remember well the classes I had at school in history—some I liked, some not so much. However, from elementary school through my college career, it was a required subject. American history gave us a sense of where we came from and the invaluable lessons we could learn from other’s mistakes and victories. As a child, I loved listening to my grandparents tell me about their triumphs and trials they experienced growing up. It fascinated me, but it also gave me a great appreciation for the life we had. I knew that the education, freedoms, and faith we experienced resulted from the price my ancestors paid.
In Psalms 44:1, we see the fathers passing on what God did in times past. The Israelites were instructed to pass on their history of what God had done for them to their children.
Psalm 44:1 “To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.”
In Exodus 10:2, God tells his people to tell their children, and their grandchildren what he has done for them. The reason is so that they may know who he is. He wants them to understand what a mighty God they serve. The past will help them to understand how much God loves them by the way he has provided for them. The past will also allow them to trust the future and not fear. His awesome power and provisions were provided for them throughout their history. God said it was important so they would know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that He, the great I Am, is and was their Lord.
Exodus 10:2 “And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son’s son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD.”
In Deuteronomy 11:18, they are to teach and lay the words on their hearts and souls. They are to never forget God’s word and his care. When we put God’s word in our hearts, we won’t forget it. It will also keep us from sinning.
Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
He then instructs them to keep God’s word in plain sight. Put in on your hand where it will always be visible. His word must be in and around us to keep us focused on our purpose and desire to please Him. Then God tells them to teach these things to their children. Teach it all the time, when you are doing your daily activities let them see the principles of God acted out in your life. All day long, every day, everything you do should give honor and glory to God. Have scripture in your home at the entrance, at the door, and even at the gates. There should be no misunderstandings or doubts about who you serve.
Deuteronomy 11:18 “Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:”
God instructs them that no matter where you are or what you are doing, your children and others around you should know who you are living for. Help them understand why and how you came to be this way by telling them about the past. Have you shared your salvation story with your children? What about your grandchildren? Tell them of prayers answered by God on your behalf. Talk to them about their past and how that will guide their future.
History is essential because it is history that molds our future. It is the history of the cross that gives us a future in Heaven. What is there about your history that can change the future of those who know you? If your history is not one you can recommend, then start today to make a new history.
