The concept of remembering and proclaiming is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, serving as a vital aspect of the faith journey for believers. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of recalling God's mighty acts and sharing His truths with others.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the call to remember is frequently associated with God's covenantal relationship with His people. The Israelites were often reminded to remember the deeds of the Lord, particularly His deliverance from Egypt. In Deuteronomy 6:12 , Moses warns the Israelites, "be careful not to forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." This remembrance was not merely a mental exercise but a call to live in accordance with God's commandments.

The Passover is a prime example of this call to remember and proclaim. In Exodus 12:14 , God commands, "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD; as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come." The Passover was both a remembrance of God's deliverance and a proclamation of His faithfulness to future generations.

Psalms and Prophets

The Psalms frequently echo the call to remember and proclaim God's works. Psalm 105:5 exhorts, "Remember the wonders He has done, His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced." The psalmist often recounts God's mighty acts as a means of encouraging faith and obedience among the people.

The prophets also emphasize this theme, urging Israel to remember God's past faithfulness as a basis for hope and repentance. Isaiah 46:9 declares, "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me."

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the call to remember and proclaim takes on new dimensions with the coming of Christ. Jesus Himself institutes the Lord's Supper as a means of remembrance. In 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 , Paul recounts Jesus' words: "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me... This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." The Lord's Supper serves as a continual proclamation of Christ's sacrificial death and the new covenant established through His blood.

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 further underscores the call to proclaim: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This command to proclaim the gospel to all nations is a central task for the Church, rooted in the remembrance of Christ's life, death, and resurrection.

The Role of the Church

The early Church exemplified the call to remember and proclaim through its teaching, fellowship, and worship. Acts 2:42 notes, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." The apostles' teaching was a proclamation of the gospel, grounded in the remembrance of Christ's work.

Throughout church history, the call to remember and proclaim has been a driving force for missions, evangelism, and discipleship. Believers are encouraged to remember God's faithfulness in their own lives and to share the message of salvation with others, fulfilling the biblical mandate to be witnesses "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Conclusion

The call to remember and proclaim is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith, urging believers to recall God's mighty acts and to share His truths with the world. This theme, deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, continues to inspire and guide the Church in its mission today.