Remembrance of God's Deliverance
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of remembering God's deliverance is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, serving as a call to recall and celebrate the mighty acts of God in the history of His people. This remembrance is not merely a mental exercise but a spiritual discipline that reinforces faith, obedience, and gratitude.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the Israelites are frequently commanded to remember the acts of God, particularly His deliverance from Egypt. The Passover is the most significant event instituted for this purpose. 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; you are to celebrate it as a perpetual statute for the generations to come." The Passover commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery, highlighting God's power and faithfulness.

The crossing of the Jordan River is another pivotal event meant to be remembered. In Joshua 4:6-7 , God instructs the Israelites to set up twelve stones as a memorial: "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.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever."

Psalms and Prophets

The Psalms frequently call the people to remember God's past deliverances as a source of hope and encouragement. Psalm 77:11-12 states, "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." This act of remembrance is portrayed as a means to strengthen faith during times of trouble.

The prophets also emphasize remembrance as a call to repentance and renewal. In Isaiah 46:9 , God 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." Here, remembrance serves as a reminder of God's uniqueness and sovereignty.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, the theme of remembrance is continued and expanded through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, is a key moment of remembrance. In Luke 22:19 , Jesus instructs, "And He took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.'" The Lord's Supper, or Communion, becomes a central act of worship, commemorating Christ's sacrificial death and the deliverance it brings from sin.

The apostle Paul reiterates this in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 , emphasizing the importance of remembering Christ's sacrifice: "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.'"

Theological Implications

The act of remembering God's deliverance is deeply theological, serving as a reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His ongoing relationship with His people. It is a call to live in light of God's past actions, trusting in His promises for the future. This remembrance is not passive but active, involving the retelling of God's mighty deeds, the celebration of His faithfulness, and the commitment to live according to His will.

Throughout Scripture, the remembrance of God's deliverance is a powerful tool for spiritual formation, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in faith and obedient to God's commands. It is a reminder that God's deliverance is not just a historical event but a present reality that shapes the lives of His people.
Remembrance of God's Commands
Top of Page
Top of Page