Rev. E. Anderson

REMEMBRANCE

It stems from the word remember which simply means to be mindful. Within the mind is the memory section that it is able to store information with regard to people, things, situations, events and experiences that has occurred within life. The mind is a tremendous factor in this respect that is able to contain and retain an enormous amount of knowledge and data that has been acquired through all kinds of means. It is treasury of facts that are not lost but recorded and can be brought to be used to advantage in a person’s life. In the mid is this beautiful retrieval system where people can go and look again at things that have happened, people they have met, lessons they have learned, etc., and benefit from the act of remembrance.

To remember implies that you are recalling to mind, recollecting something of worth that can serve to useful purpose in the present. What has happened in the past has some relevance to the immediate circumstance and need and so can be considered in connection with it. All that has taken place does have some bearing upon what is actually occurring in the now.

The word remember is repeatedly used in Scripture thus showing its importance in the experience of those who profess to know God. Having given this fantastic gift to man, He expects it to be employed in a profitable manner. There has to be constant acts of remembrance in those who have relationship with Him and such serves to establish greater bonds with Him.

God’s Word declares in no uncertain terms that the Lord is the One that should occupy the thoughts of all men right from the earliest period of life. The exhortation is – “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh when you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’” – Ecclesiastes 12: 1. The best time to get God into your mind and life is in the teenage years so that many pleasant and worthwhile things can take place in relationship with Him that will have a profitable bearing on life and will not be forgotten. They will be worth recording and recalling for all posterity.

The Lord spoke to His ancient people of all with regard to this, having shown in grace and power in delivering them from Egypt and guiding them to the Promised Land of Canaan. He said: “Only take heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life: but teach them your sons, and your sons’ sons” – Deuteronomy 4: 9.  Not only had the events and experiences of the past with regard to God’s bountiful dealings be etched on their memories but also on their children and grandchildren! There had to be a constant recollection of the past with all the goodness and providences, it had to be stored up in the minds of their offspring.

One of the important things that must be lodged and constantly pondered on in life and never forgotten is God’s Word. In that long psalm there is special emphasis by the penman in this respect. He says: ‘I will not forget your Word – I will never forget your precepts – O how I love your law! It is my mediation all the day’ – Psalm 119: 16, 93; 97. If we are to believe and obey His Word then we must never forget but always be calling it to mind. Of old, the Israelites had to have God’s Word recorded on the doorposts and gateposts so there would be the likelihood of forgetting! – Deuteronomy 6: 9 The Decalogue was written indelibly on two tablets not to be forgotten and constantly referred to.

For the Christian Church and believer, Christ set up a memorial that must never be forgotten – Luke 22: 14- 20. Paul also endorsed and emphasised this in his letter to a church – 1 Corinthians 11: 23-34. This special communion service should be attended by all professing Christian saints because the death of Christ and all that was accomplished by it should not be forgotten. Regularly all true Christians should seize the opportunity and privilege of performing this act of remembrance. They should also make sure that they regularly meet together with other Christians in fellowship not forgetting God’s Word on the matter – ‘Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is’ – Hebrews 10: 25.

Spend time this week recalling and meditation on the Lord and all that He has done for you so that you will be spiritually quickened in your relationship with Him. Take time out to recollect vital things that have happened in your experience and see whether you are achieving the high expectations of God on your life.

‘This I recall to min, therefore I have hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness’ – Lamentations 3: 21-23.

PRAYER

Lord give me the alacrity and facility of mind that will always be thinking about You, Your Word and all Your grace!