Tell the Old Story

The appointed Psalm for the daily prayer of the Church today is Psalm 78. It is rather long, so we will look at the first verses:

Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;

incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

I will open my mouth in a parable;

I will utter dark sayings from of old,

things that we have heard and known,

that our ancestors have told us.

We will not hide them from their children;

we will tell to the coming generation

the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,

and the wonders that he has done.

The Psalmist knows that each generation must be reminded of God's saving acts.  The Scripture of Christianity and Judaism tell the story of God’s people. The characters are far from perfect; they are flawed human beings. The first kings of Israel are good examples. Saul became paranoid and was on a rampage to kill David. David was hungry for power, and subject to being lustful. He sent one of his officers into battle so that he would be killed so that King David could have his wife. Nevertheless, God finds a way to work with these flawed humans to bring about salvation through Jesus. The story in the Old and New Testaments is our story; it is an old story that we must tell and re-tell.

Let us pray: Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Your servant in Christ,

The Rev. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550