Alistair Begg: “Oh, Magnify the Lord”
Embracing the Call to Magnify the Lord: Passing Faith Through the Generations
Every believer, young or old, is invited by Scripture to join together in magnifying the Lord. In a world obsessed with speed, novelty, and digital connectivity, the timeless call to praise God sometimes feels drowned out. Yet, the psalms beckon us—no matter our background, no matter our age: “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” This invitation is not just about singing songs, but about anchoring ourselves, and those who follow us, in eternal truth and worship.
The Generational Journey of Faith
From the dawn of time, people have found their identity within generations. Sociologists may label us as Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, or Gen Z, but God’s Word sees us as part of a community connected by faith, not just birth years. The Bible itself models generational legacy, encouraging us to commend God’s mighty works to those coming after us. The psalmist reflects on a lifetime of God’s faithfulness, wanting future generations to know and trust the Lord. His deepest desire? That long after he is gone, children yet unborn will know the truth about God’s power and love.
Today’s world has sped up the process of generational change. Teenagers—once an unfamiliar concept just a century ago—are now identified by trends and technology as much as birth certificates. Each generation faces its own cultural pressures. For instance, today’s younger generations have grown up under the persistent hum of voices challenging the very foundations of faith: “There is no creator God, there is no absolute morality, there is no ultimate truth.”
And yet, amid this swirl of change, the calling on God’s people remains unchanged: to declare, to sing, to live for Christ in a way that draws others to worship alongside us.
Our Unchanging God Through Changing Times
Scripture reminds us: “From everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” No matter how much society shifts or how technology evolves, the Lord remains our constant dwelling place. Through pain, fatigue, joy, or uncertainty, we are called to come into His presence with singing and service.
What does this look like practically? It means taking seriously the task of passing on living faith to the next generation. The psalmist says, “We will not hide [God’s deeds] from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders He has done.” We are to make His works known—not for our own recognition, but so that children, grandchildren, and spiritual heirs may find hope and courage in Christ.
Distinctive Living: Called to Be Different
One temptation in every era is to excuse behavior as typical of a certain generation: “That’s just how Gen Y behaves,” someone might say, or “Today’s kids are just digital natives.” But Scripture slices through stereotypes. The believer—no matter their age—is called to live distinctively because of a new reality in Christ: a new nature, new desires, and a new destiny.
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He left His followers with vital instruction: they were not to be “of the world,” yet they would remain “in the world,” even as they were sent “into the world.” This echoes today. As Christians, we are called out, set apart, and sent on mission—all at once. It’s a dynamic role, requiring courage, discernment, and especially, support from the body of Christ.
Teaching Truth: The Power of Songs and Hymns
One of the most overlooked yet powerful tools for discipleship is congregational singing. Hymns, both old and new, serve as vehicles of truth for the mind and nourishment for the soul. Singing is more than tradition—it is pedagogy. Through faithful lyrics, believers learn about God’s character, memorize Scripture, and find language to express praise and lament alike.
Take, for example, a hymn that proclaims, “My worth is not in what I own, nor in the strength of flesh and bone, but in the wounds of Christ…” Such words remind each new generation of their true identity, not defined by culture or possessions, but by Christ’s sacrifice.
The impact of hymnody operates on multiple levels. There’s an evangelical aspect—singing the story of Christ compels those listening to consider the claims of the gospel. There’s a catechetical dimension—songs teach and reinforce doctrine. There’s also a liturgical flow, as singing orders our corporate and personal worship, rooting us in practices that transcend any one era.
Living and Learning: Personal Stories of Faith
Passing down faith is more than reciting facts. It’s a matter of living out truth as a testimony, especially when we have walked with God for decades. The psalmist’s confession, “From my youth you have taught me, and still I proclaim your wondrous deeds,” captures the beauty of a lifelong journey. Older believers who continue to magnify the Lord model perseverance and hope. These stories—of God’s providence, rescue in times of trouble, and kindness through the seasons of life—are treasures for families and churches to cherish.
In our society, where young people are told they are products of random chance and that meaning is elusive, Christ’s followers can bear witness to a greater story. God’s purposeful love, His unfolding providence, and His power to redeem are truths that never go out of season.
The Necessity of Biblical, Rational, and Spiritual Praise
Our songs and worship must be rooted firmly in Scripture. Lyrics ought to be theologically sound and understandable—not vague poetry disconnected from God’s revealed Word. When we sing lines like, “How great Thou art,”
