I have several friends who are history buffs, and they remember all sorts of history: dates, people, events, statistics and consequences. You and I certainly know people who seem to be able to recall events, people, and events from their past. We also know people who have easily memorized many things - some of which quite frankly others think aren't really worth remembering.
There are at least 15 references in the book of Deuteronomy about "REMEMBERING."
The most well known is THE SHEMA in Deuteronomy 6:
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
On September 11th, do you think about New York City, the attacks, the Pentagon, the Trade Centers, the First responders, the flag, the fear, the speech by President Bush - the need for God more than ever before. Probably all of them.
When the events of 9-11 took place, President Bush declared, "we will remember" and "we will never forget." There are many memories of 9-11 and I believe most of those include fear and hope. Both of these are beneficial and necessary. Today, I want us to stop and remember.
Why should we remember -
- We benefit from lessons of pain.
- We recall joyful memories.
- We can help others learn or be encouraged.
- We recall the hand and mercies of God.
What should we remember-
- The grace and mercy of God.
- Events and people that have empowered us.
- The Word of God.
Remembering is not forgetting and recalling is stating them. Let's remember and recall the wonder and works of God.
