READING: Deuteronomy 16-19, Luke 1:67-2:21
I’m continually reminded in the scriptures just how forgetful we believers are—and today’s Old Testament reading takes us in that direction, too. The Hebrews were to celebrate the Passover annually, and that tradition included this requirement: “For seven days you are to eat unleavened bread with it, the bread of hardship—because you left the land of Egypt in a hurry—so that you may remember for the rest of your life the day you left the land of Egypt” (Deut 16:3). Likewise, they were to “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt” (Deut 16:12).
We might think the people would never forget such events in their history. Slavery in Egypt had been intense; and, the day of their deliverance from that country must have been quite a day. Surely they would not need help remembering those events! But . . . we’re all a forgetful people. The greater the distance between the actual event and our present circumstances, the more likely it is we forget our yesterdays. Present-tense prosperity clouds our memories of past-tense conflicts. The failure of parents to teach the blessings of yesterday results in succeeding generations knowing nothing of the past. In the end, we forget—and we need help remembering. No wonder God gave the Hebrews these means to remember!
For the church, God has given us two ordinances to help us remember His work in our lives: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. How grateful I am that God loves me enough to help me recall His blessings!
PRAYER: “Lord, help me to remember not only Your blessings, but also my condition without You.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Make a quick list of some of God’s significant blessings in the past. Remember. Be thankful. Tell your children.
TOMORROW’S READING: Weekend is for catch-up and review
MONDAY’S READING: Deuteronomy 20-23, Luke 2:22-52