APRIL 18
Psalm 78:4, “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”
Asaph understood the history of his people well. He recognized that their ancestors were a “stubborn and rebellious generation” (Psalm 78:4), repeatedly turning away from God despite His miraculous interventions. Time after time, they tested God with their lack of faith and disobedience, forgetting His works and suffering the consequences. To prevent future generations from following this same destructive path, Asaph emphasized the importance of teaching children about God’s laws and His mighty deeds (Psalm 78:4-6). He sought to build a foundation of faith that would endure.
The Puritans who founded Harvard University in 1636 shared a similar vision: to educate young men in knowledge and godliness, particularly for training ministers. The Harvard Charter of 1650 explicitly stated the university’s mission to educate both English and Native American youth in the Christian faith. Its original motto, “Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae” (Truth for Christ and the Church), reflected this commitment.
John Harvard, a Puritan minister, played a crucial role in the school’s survival and growth. Upon his death in 1638, at just 30 years old, he left half of his estate (equivalent to about $2 million today) and his personal library of 400 books to the young institution. His generosity helped Harvard establish itself as a center for Christian education. However, much like the Israelites in Asaph’s time, Harvard gradually drifted from its founding mission. By the 19th and 20th centuries, theological training had diminished, and secularism had taken root. Today, Harvard has essentially abandoned its original purpose of educating students in Christian faith and godliness. Instead, it now fosters a secular academic environment, severed from the biblical foundations upon which it was established.
Just as Asaph warned against forgetting God’s works, Harvard’s transformation serves as a modern example of what happens when truth is not passed on. Asaph’s call to teach the next generation remains just as relevant today, reminding us that because of sin and the relentless work of the enemy, without intentional efforts to preserve faith and godliness, they will inevitably be lost.
“Truth must be told, and teaching must be strong, or the next generation will drift.” — Charles Spurgeon
Application questions: It was the heartfelt desire of the psalmist to pass on truth to the next generation. We have too often neglected that important principle today. What steps can you take to better engage with the youth in your life in passing on the truth of God’s Word?
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