Future Generations

Psalm 102:18-28

18Let this be recorded for future generations,

so that a nation yet to be created will praise the LORD.

19Tell them the LORD looked down

from his heavenly sanctuary.

He looked to the earth from heaven

20to hear the groans of the prisoners,

to release those condemned to die.

21And so the LORD’s fame will be celebrated in Zion,

his praises in Jerusalem,

22when multitudes gather together

and kingdoms come to worship the LORD.

23He has cut me down in midlife,

shortening my days.

24But I cried to him, “My God, who lives forever,

don’t take my life while I am still so young!

25In ages past you laid the foundation of the earth,

and the heavens are the work of your hands.

26Even they will perish, but you remain forever;

they will wear out like old clothing.

You will change them like a garment,

and they will fade away.

27But you are always the same;

your years never end.

28The children of your people

will live in security.

Their children’s children

will thrive in your presence.”

We’re hearing a lot about generations these days. Advertisers are furiously targeting every imaginable age division—Builders, Boomers, Busters, Boomlets and Generations X and Y.

Churches are joining in the positioning frenzy as well. Some churches are still run by the pre–World War II generation, but amazing growth has been happening in Boomer churches. These churches have replaced some of the old ways with new styles that appeal to the sixties generation. A few churches are experimenting with alternative services that target Generations X or Y.

All the talk about “targeting” and “positioning” may leave you cold. And you can’t help but sympathize with the Builders who wonder if they’re leaving any valuable traditions for the succeeding generations to carry on.

Psalm 102 ends with a forward look toward future generations. And what can the psalmist offer to those who will follow? Stories. The record of how God has worked among his people. If the older generation faithfully celebrates the Lord’s fame, the younger generation will “thrive” in the Lord’s presence. That was true back then, and it’s true today. Styles may change, but let’s all keep telling the stories of God’s mighty acts in any way we can.

In heavenly love abiding,

No change my heart shall fear;

And safe is such confiding,

For nothing changes here.

The storm may roar around me,

My heart may low be laid;

But God is round about me,

And can I be dismayed?

ANNA L. WARING

Bible Networking

Verse 27 speaks of God always being the same, and Hebrews 13:8 says the same thing about Jesus Christ. Also verses 25-27 of this psalm are quoted in Hebrews 1:10-12, which gives us reason to see this as a messianic psalm.