Introduction

The concept of "Remember Your Deliverance" is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of recalling God's past acts of salvation and deliverance. This remembrance serves as a foundation for faith, obedience, and worship. It is a call to acknowledge God's mighty works and to trust in His continued faithfulness.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Israelites are frequently reminded to remember their deliverance from Egypt, a pivotal event in their history. This deliverance is not only a historical fact but also a theological cornerstone that shapes their identity as God's chosen people.

Exodus from Egypt

The Exodus is the quintessential act of deliverance in the Old Testament. God commands the Israelites to remember this event through various means, including the Passover celebration. In Exodus 13:3 , Moses instructs the people, "Remember this day, the day on which you came out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for the LORD brought you out of it by the strength of His hand." This remembrance is intended to instill gratitude and obedience to God's commandments.

Memorial Stones and Festivals

Throughout their journey, the Israelites are instructed to set up memorials to remember God's deliverance. In Joshua 4:6-7 , stones are set up as a sign among the people: "In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ These stones will be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."

Psalms of Remembrance

The Psalms frequently call the people to remember God's past deliverances as a source of hope and encouragement. Psalm 77:11-12 declares, "I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the theme of remembering deliverance is expanded to include the deliverance from sin and death through Jesus Christ. This deliverance is celebrated and remembered through the sacraments and teachings of the early church.

The Lord's Supper

The Lord's Supper, or Communion, is a central act of remembrance for Christians. Jesus Himself instituted this practice as a way to remember His sacrificial death and resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 , Paul recounts Jesus' words: "And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.'"

Deliverance from Sin

The New Testament emphasizes the deliverance from sin as a greater exodus, achieved through Christ's atoning work. Romans 6:17-18 states, "But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."

Living in Remembrance

Believers are called to live in a state of continual remembrance of their deliverance. This involves not only recalling past events but also living in the light of God's ongoing work in their lives. In 2 Peter 1:12-13 , Peter writes, "Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body."

Conclusion

The biblical call to "Remember Your Deliverance" is a profound reminder of God's faithfulness and power. It encourages believers to trust in God's promises, live in obedience, and worship Him with gratitude for His past, present, and future acts of deliverance.