These days we hear a lot about genetics (that which is inherited, familial, hereditary, transmissible). Articles on genetic engineering, genetic codes, genetically transferable diseases, and genetic preference appear regularly in newspapers and magazines together with the debates on the ethical questions raised.

Now, what might you ask, has genetics got to do with discipleship? That’s the question I asked myself this morning as I read Psalm 78. As I reflect on the first eight verses of this Psalm I get a sense that the passing on of the faith, of the knowledge of God, of the way of life of the people of God, of the standards that God sets for His children—this passing on of the core elements of discipleship has nothing to do with genetics but has everything to do with the faithful intentional telling and teaching and showing the next generation. Why? So that, one by one, generation by generation, the truth about God, about who he is and what he has done is not weakened as the years go by.

O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden from of old—things we have heard and known, things our fathers have told us. 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. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children, so that the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. They would not be like their forefathers - a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him.
Psalm 78:1-8

In Ethiopia, when we were beginning to see a second generation of students come to faith and grow in Christlikeness through the witness and testimony of the first generation, we were really excited. However, a wise mentor challenged us to think, not one or two, but four generations! I remember him asking us if we were willing to stay committed to this group of young men and women long enough to see four spiritual generations walking with God. At the time I thought he was simply over stating a point to help us stay focused, but the more I’ve pondered the passing on of an authentic Christian faith, I understand the principle and practice of the generations as being a vital emphasis in discipleship.

As you meditate on these verses in Psalm 78:1-8, note the four generations that the psalmist refers to. They are there too, in John 17 and in 2 Timothy 2:2, both favourite discipleship passages. Today, at the beginning of 2009, my prayer for each of you and for myself is that we will commit ourselves anew to those whom God has given us. Stay focused, be intentional in your relationships and ministry, keep telling, teaching, and showing, and pray for the spiritual generations yet to come.

Then, they will put their trust in God and not forget his deeds but keep his commands. This is discipleship!