Ephraim and Manassah, the tribes named for the sons of Joseph, had overlapping territory since the cities for Ephraim were in the land of Manasseh. Ephraim included Bethel and Luz, the sites famous for their significance in Jacob's life. Do your children know the landmarks of your spiritual heritage? Do you tell stories to be handed down of what God has done? Jacob told his stories, and so when these tribes inherited the cities, they could gain courage for their own battles from him.
When we praise the Lord for His mighty acts, it inspires praise for everything else. And praise tells our stories.
Paul reminds the Thessalonians of a truth he had already taught them. (See verse 5.) They were nervous and shaken by what someone else said. Hearing the truth over and over is reassuring when we are frightened or unsure. Paul tells them to "stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle." (v. 15)
Just as it was important then, it is important now to not only "stand fast and hold on" ourselves, but to hand down to our children and grandchildren the faith stories they can hold on to.
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