More than grandmother’s wedding gown testifies of historical romance while offering “something old” for an anticipated love match in the tomorrows, God‘s Word anchors the hopes of a bright tomorrow within His people while cementing the truth of the past. The Word is dependable, a real treasure to hand down from generation to generation. It is an heirloom worth keeping.
In Psalm 102:16-18, there were claims based on Israel’s history, claims on which those heading into the haze of the tomorrows could place their trust. “When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord.”
These were treasure-words, a message of importance for upcoming Israelites to know. After all, they would endure much, and their heritage as God's people would constantly be challenged. So, before they were ever born, God issued promises: “Zion will be built. God shall appear in all His glory. God will listen to your prayers. You can cry out to Him, knowing He will hear you.” Then He commanded that His words be written so that future generations could praise the Lord. See, being told something will happen, then seeing it unfold, is a thing meriting high praise. The promise was spoken, the words were written, the future lay in readiness for anticipated praise.
This written testament of what God would do and this recording of His faithful character was like a personal letter to descendants who were not yet a twinkle in their father’s eyes. “You can depend on our unchanging, eternal God. These promises are for you,” the proclamation indicated, thereby inviting future generations to share in a relationship with God and making the spoken promises available to those not yet born at the time the promise was given. In fact, these words, penned for the future, became available to us, a people, who at the time of their pronouncement, were not yet created.
For generations, God‘s Word has been a treasure to hold, a constant reminder of Who He is and what He has done. His promises have been the underpinning of our ancestry and remain a priceless legacy to pass along to our posterity—for God‘s Word is an everlasting word, something more accurate than photos and more reliable than faded wedding lace. It reveals both identity and purpose. God‘s Word is a sure foundation on which any generation can erect their realities and on which they can hang their dreams.
Tip/Tidbit: Make a list of God's promises that have been a blessing in your life. Share them with your children. Ask an older Christian to relay stories of God's faithfulness to them. Write it down for another generation to enjoy. Make an effort to record what God has done for you, and leave a legacy that preserves God's faithfulness.