A Covenant Family History

Order of Service

• Scripture Reading — Psalm 78
• Sermon
• Pastoral Prayer

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Sermon Title: A Covenant Family History

Scripture: Psalm 78

I. Christianity Is a Generational Religion

A. The opening verses of Psalm 78 emphasize telling the next generation about the works of God B. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 — the Shema: the covenant Lord is to be taught diligently to children in every context of daily life C. The next generation entering the promised land was charged not to repeat the failures of the first generation that died in the wilderness D. The Lord's Supper carries this same Shema-like summons — "Do this in remembrance of me" calls for focused, deliberate engagement, not mere routine

II. Christianity Is a Historical Religion

A. Psalm 78 is filled with references to specific historical events in Israel's history

1. Crossing the Red Sea
2. Water from the rock
3. Manna from heaven
4. Quail provided in the wilderness
5. The plagues against Egypt
6. God's leading by cloud and fire B. Special mention is made of Ephraim, the dominant tribe in the early days of Israel, who was eventually rejected and became shorthand for the northern kingdom
7. After Solomon, Jeroboam led the northern kingdom into idolatry by placing golden calves in Dan and Bethel
8. Judah, not Ephraim, received the blessing of God C. These historical details are meant for children to know — adults all the more so

III. Christianity Has a Rebellious History

A. The history recounted in Psalm 78 is not flattering — it is a record of Israel's persistent stubbornness and failure B. Asaph calls the next generation to hear this difficult family history honestly, not to be inspired by it, but to learn from it C. The psalm's depiction of failure is intentional — it magnifies what God has done in spite of his people, not because of them

IV. Christianity Is a Redemptive History

A. Psalm 78:34-42 — even Israel's repentance was often false, yet God remained compassionate

1. He atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them
2. He restrained his anger, remembering they were but flesh B. The dark family history is the backdrop that makes God's grace and steadfast love shine C. The story of David and Goliath illustrates the same point — the focus must be on God's strength, not merely on David's courage D. Jesus' words after the rich young ruler walked away capture the theme of Psalm 78: "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God" — salvation and redemption belong to the Lord alone

V. Christianity Is a Shepherd's History

A. Throughout Psalm 78, God redeems and leads his people as a shepherd leads a flock

1. Psalm 78:14 — he led them with a cloud by day and a fiery light by night
2. Psalm 78:52-53 — he led his people like sheep, guiding them in safety through the wilderness B. The psalm closes with David as the culmination of God's shepherding work — Psalm 78:70-72
3. David shepherded Israel with an upright heart and a skillful hand
4. David as mediator-king points forward to his greater Son, Jesus Christ C. Though we have a history of rebellion and stubbornness, God leads his people through the Son of David, Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd