Words by Chad Hayes | Image by Ryan McGill
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph.
–Psalm 77:11-15 (ESV)
Memory is such a complex and peculiar thing. A few weeks ago, I walked into the break room at work and stopped dead in my tracks. In the fifteen seconds it took me to travel from my office to the break room, I had completely forgotten why I was there. I spoke to myself audibly, “Why did I come in here?” Then, it came back to me just as quickly as it had left. I accomplished my task and walked back to my office, shaking my head.
I know what some of you are thinking. “You are not getting any younger, Chad.” That may be true, but I am amazed at the complexity of memory. How can I forget why I walked into a room, but can remember the phone number of my childhood home and every lyric to “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi?
Memory is tied to repetition and prioritization. We remember people, places, and things that matter to us and are a repetitive part of our lives.
Remembrance is also a key concept in Scripture. In the passage above, when the Psalmist is experiencing a trial in his life, he pledges to remember God’s goodness, greatness, holiness, and redemptive work. We, too, should regularly pause to remember who God is and what He has done for us, especially during difficult times.
The Jewish Passover feast was an annual time of sacred remembrance of how God delivered the Hebrews from slavery. When Moses first told the Israelites about the Passover, he said, “This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast.” – Exodus 12:14 (ESV)
As we approach this Memorial Day holiday, our minds turn to sacrifice. Not only should we remember and honor those who gave their lives for our country, but I also encourage you to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross.
In the Gospels, Jesus transformed the meaning of the Passover Feast into the Lord’s Supper, a meal to memorialize His sacrificial death for our sins. Therefore, every time we observe this sacred meal, we are to remember His body and His blood. The Bible says, “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” – Luke 22:19 (ESV)
Why does God keep telling us to remember Him and the work of His Son? Because we are prone to forget. There are times when we get caught up in the daily rat race and neglect to remember who God is and what He has done for us. Let’s be intentional this week in pausing to reflect on His sacrifice.
I pray you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend as you remember those who gave their lives for our freedom, and for Jesus Christ, who gave His life for our eternal freedom.
By His grace, Chad
