Psalm 78 teaches us the high value of the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. The Good News, (The Gospel) is more important than anything on earth because it gives us Jesus, the only way to heaven.
PSALM 78:1-4 A Teaching Psalm of Asaph.
1. O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.
2. I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old--
3. what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us.
4. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, His power, and the wonders He has done.
V1. Christ pleads from His heart to your heart--hear and believe His Word. The ungodly world says Scripture is a collection of man-made stories. The world is afraid of punishment from God and cooks up alternate stories and realities. They try to discredit Sacred Scripture. But the Holy Bible is from heaven. It is the inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God Almighty. It is true salvation history--for you:
Ephesians 2: "You (Christians) are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets (their writings, Sacred Scripture), Christ Jesus Himself being the chief cornerstone."
2 Tim 3: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God."
2 Peter 1 "Above all, you must understand: that no prophecy of Scripture comes from ones own interpretation. For no prophecy ever came about through human initiative. But men spoke from God, as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
Our spiritual training is ongoing. There is no coasting to heaven. The path of Christian discipleship is hard. The unbelieving world hates Christ because He tells them they are sinful. Therefore, the world also hates God's children. You need protection and strength for life's journey.---and you receive all you need in God's Word. There you will find healing and power for your faith. You'll find comfort and forgiveness in the blood of Jesus. In order to impress upon us the importance of God's Word, He gave us this command:
"Remember the Sabbath Day, by keeping it holy."--We should not disrespect or neglect the preaching of His Word. Instead; hold it sacred, hear, and learn.
We need feeding the soul more than once a week, thru devotions and Scripture reading.
V2&3. Salvation from God is a precious treasure. A great treasure when we look into the mirror of God's Commandments. We see how often and badly we have offended God. We deserve hell. Of such is the value of forgiveness of sins, which is yours thru the holy life and innocent suffering and death of Jesus--on your behalf. One sacrifice reconciled you to the Father--forever. The Holy Spirit makes this Good News known to you in Scripture. "Parables" instruct believers without offending unbelievers. Unbelievers understand none of this, "hidden things".
V4. We want the best for our children in health, safety, education, vocation, spouse, children, friends. One thing is needful above all earthly treasures:
Deuteronomy 11: "Impress these words of mine on your hearts...teach them to your children..."
The Gospel can be lost in one careless generation. Protect them with God's Word. Teach them: over, and over, and over again--and pray.
excerpts sermon 10/18/20