Advent 2020: The Prophet’s Candle: HOPE
Remembrance
It is curious to me that we have the capacity to remember. Most of us do not remember precisely, but somewhat vaguely.
My earliest memories are far more emotional than factual. I remember impressions of family tension. And, sometimes a particular color or smell will evoke a wash of emotional memories that I cannot locate in a particular time or space.
We are fascinating creatures. What a wonder God has created!
All day and every day your body will feel, collect and attempt to make sense of every experience you have. Our bodies carry these imprints. We call them memories.
And, because we can remember, we also can forget. The scriptures are full of invitations for us to remember.
Read out loud Isaiah’s remembrance:
3 When you came down long ago,
Isaiah 64:3-4 (NLT)
you did awesome deeds beyond our highest expectations.
And oh, how the mountains quaked!
4 For since the world began,
no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you,
who works for those who wait for him!
To develop hope, we must remember what the Lord has done. Now, as your pastor, I am going to challenge you as I did on Sunday. While it is important to recall what the Lord has done for you, I think we must develop a habit of seeing God’f faithfulness beyond our lives.
We start with the scriptures.
Take some time today and remember the stories and accounts of God’s faithfulness in the scriptures. What comes to mind?
Supremely, we recall the faithful work of Jesus on the cross. In his faithfulness to us, God has granted a visceral account of his love for us. We cannot easily forget his dramatic saving work on the cross.
Make this prayer your own:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I ask you to help me to remember your faithfulness. Help me develop appreciation for how you have worked though history. Please help me not to forget your work. Jesus, thank you for your obedience to the cross. I will love for you today. Amen.
