Remembering

We have sinned, even as our ancestors did;

   we have done wrong and acted wickedly.

When our ancestors were in Egypt,

   they gave no thought to your miracles;
they did not remember your many kindnesses,

   and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea.

Yet he saved them for his name’s sake,

   to make his mighty power known.

He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up;

   he led them through the depths as through a desert.
He saved them from the hand of the foe;
   from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them.
The waters covered their adversaries;
   not one of them survived.
Then they believed his promises

   and sang his praise.

                            (Psalm 106:6-12 NIV)

Over and over again, God's people rebelled against him.  Over and over again, they suffered because of their rebellion.  Over and over again, the Lord saved them from their own iniquity.

It's the same old story.  It's not just Israel's story.  It is ours.  We have gone astray.  We have all experienced the consequences of our sins. Yet, God, whom we have offended most, continues to forgive. He continues to give to us salvation through Jesus Christ.

As often as we turn and call out to Him, He hears. We remember and confess our past sins and God forgives.  Remembering where we have been is a good thing.  It reminds us who we are not.  We are not God. It reminds us who it is that saves. It is not us.  Only Jesus can save.

But, sometimes we have a different motivation for remembering; especially remembering the sins of others. That motivation is sin itself. It is sin when we remember the past sins of others to make ourselves feel better about our own sins. "I'm not as bad as so and so...."  It is sin when we remember the sins of others, but cannot acknowledge the sin within ourselves.  It is sin when we live in the past and refuse to live in the day that God has given us to live in today, when we do not receive the gift of light and life today; rather choose to live in the darkness of yesterday. 

Remembering the past can be a good thing.  Remembering can help us live fuller lives in Christ today as we remember not to turn our backs on the One who has had mercy on us. But, if you choose to live in the dark past, stop trying to drag others back there with you. There are those who prefer to follow Jesus and now live in the light of God's grace and love.

"Praise the Lord!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
   his love endures forever."
                               (Psalm 106:1)

 

God's Peace - Pr. J.