In what ways can we remember our past to appreciate God's grace today? Looking Back: The Call to Remember “Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh, and called ‘uncircumcision’ by the so-called ‘circumcision,’ which is done in the body by human hands—” (Ephesians 2:11) Paul’s first word is “remember.” Scripture treats memory as an act of obedience: we look over our shoulders so we can see the hand of God more clearly in the present. What Remembering Accomplishes • Rekindles gratitude—Psalm 103:2: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” • Protects against pride—Deuteronomy 8:11–14 warns Israel not to “forget the LORD” when life becomes comfortable. • Magnifies grace—1 Timothy 1:13–14 shows Paul recalling his own blasphemy so that “the grace of our Lord overflowed.” • Fuels worship—Luke 7:47: “He who is forgiven much, loves much.” The bigger our sense of rescue, the louder our praise. Practical Ways to Recall Our Story • Testimony on Repeat – Retell your conversion story to family, friends, and the next generation (Psalm 78:4). – Keep a running list of answered prayers and turning points. • Journaling the Journey – Date-stamp moments of conviction, repentance, and deliverance. – Review old entries to trace God’s consistent faithfulness. • Physical Ebenezer Stones – Choose objects, photos, or locations that mark significant interventions (1 Samuel 7:12). – Place them where you see them often; let them spark fresh thanksgiving. • Communion With Intent – 1 Corinthians 11:24: “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Pause before the bread and cup to recall who you were “formerly.” – Let the sacrament reset your awe at the cost of redemption. • Celebrating Baptism Anniversaries – Mark the date you publicly declared faith (Romans 6:4). – Use the anniversary to meditate on being raised to walk “in newness of life.” • Confession as Regular Maintenance – Daily admission of sin keeps yesterday’s rescue vivid (1 John 1:9). – Contrast old patterns with new obedience to see grace in motion. • Singing Redemption Songs – Choose hymns or worship songs that recount the gospel (“Amazing Grace,” “In Christ Alone”). – Music engraves memory on the heart and engages emotion and intellect together. Warnings Against Unhelpful Remembering • Do not romanticize the old life (Numbers 11:5–6). • Reject condemnation; recall the past only through the lens of Christ’s finished work (Romans 8:1). • Avoid paralyzing regret; let memory move you to mission, not misery (Philippians 3:13–14). Grace on Display: Today and Every Day Ephesians 2:12–13 continues, “Remember that you were separate from Christ… But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Yesterday’s distance highlights today’s nearness. Each intentional act of remembering turns up the volume on God’s grace, fuels humility, and propels us to live for His glory right now. |
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