Thursday, March 10, 2022

            Remembering is an important activity.  We remember the things that have meaning and value. We remember experiences, people, situations and blessings.  But we also remember trials, painful times and confusing moments where we were uncertain about where to turn or what to do.  Some form of remember is used in the Bible more than two hundred fifty times.  God continuously commanded and encouraged Israel to remember Him and His ways.  God spoke in Deuteronomy 7:18-19, “But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the Lord your God brought you out. The Lord your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear.”  Remember what the Lord did!  We are approaching some important days in the life of Christianity.  Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter are on the way.  These days help us to remember and to hold on to precious occasions where God was at work to redeem us and save us from His wrath.  Each occasion helps to complete the salvation picture and story.
            Some people keep a journal and maintain a careful record of where God is at work and what God has faithfully done.  They note occasions and places where they knew without any doubts that God was at work.  In 1 Samuel 7:12, Samuel set up a stone of remembrance and called it “ebenezer.”  The word “ebenezer” is mentioned only three times in the Bible and it roughly means “stone of help.”  It is a way of remembering God’s help and the places and times where God undoubtedly and unmistakably showed up to help His people in some way.  We often sing these words from Robert Robinson, “Here I raise my Ebenezer; Hither by Thy help I'm come; And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home.” 
            Have you ever put up some ebenezers in life?  Have you marked some places and times where you experienced God and His love, power or grace?  We would do well to remember such times and places because they bring great encouragement to us in living today and tomorrow.  Momentous occasions like a wedding, the birth of a child, a life-changing conversation, a trusted friendship, the death of a loved one or a failure where grace abounded can be situations where God was at work in your life and you want to remember those times.  Commit them to both heart and mind.  Treasure and savor what God can teach and reveal to you. 
            God is often at work in far more places, times and situations than we are inclined to see or recognize.  God often works in unseen and even mysterious ways to bring His will and purposes into reality.  Human memory can easily fail or fade.  So, we want to be intentional about marking the places where we have encountered God.  Some people make notes in their Bibles about truths God has driven home to their hearts.  Some devote special notebooks to chronicling the works of the Lord.  And remember the power of sharing memories with others.  Speaking of what God has done to a trusted and true friend and fellow believer is another way of ensuring that God’s mighty works are preserved and cherished. 
            A big reason for holidays or “holy days” is to help us keep alive the memories of what the Lord has done and where He has been at work.  At Christmas, Easter and even the Lord’s Day itself, we remember, retell and reflect upon the greatness and graciousness of our Lord and all He has done for us.  Build your bank of memories.  Put up some ebenezers.  Take note of what God has done for us and where you have experienced Him in life. 
            Remember we will enjoy our March communal lunch after worship on Sunday.  Bring along a dish or two to share with others and plan on a good time of conversation and connection.  Have a great Thursday!