Because of this arrangement the Psalms have had more opportunities to challenge me.  Their persistent presence in my daily routine allows them to shock me, comfort me, and shape me.  Some in our fellowship are probably starting to feel a little uncomfortable.  I can hear someone saying, “But John, you’ve got to remember that’s Old Testament!  You’ll come out with some heretical teaching if you’re not careful!”

I recognize there is a need for recognizing that God has extended a new covenant through Jesus.  But I am equally convinced we’ve been arbitrarily selective on this matter at times.  The other thing I believe is the early church approached the Psalms differently than I used to deal with them.  Some have noted that the Psalms were the early church’s hymnal.  Paul directed that believers were to teach one another with the Psalms.

Scattered through the Psalms are numerous reminders that each generation is responsible to tell the next generation what God has been doing.  For example, consider the following passage from Psalm 71:17-18:

“Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,

and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Even when I am old and gray,

do not forsake me, O God,

till I declare your power to the next generation,

your might to all who are to come.”

Our Baby Blessing service is an attempt to take seriously this message from the Psalms.  It entails us actively reminding one another that we must teach the next generation who God is and what he continues to do in our world.  We would love to have you join us in this act of faith.

John Kenneth King