"And now, O mountains, listen to the Lord's complain! He has a case against His people. He will bring charges against Israel. "O My people, what have I done to you? What have I done to make you tire of me? Answer me! For I brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to help you. Don't you remember, my people, how King Balak of Moab tried to have you cursed and how Balaam son of Bear blessed you instead? And remember your journey from Acadia Grove to Gill, when I, the Lord, did everything I could to teach you about my faithfulness." (Micah 6:2-5 NLT)
Yesterday, we talked about how God is willing to entertain our arguments. But it turns out, God has a case against us, too! He’s moved heaven and earth to rescue us and we can’t hardly be bothered to remember Him. I read recently that God calls us to remembrance far more often than He calls us to obedience. ‘Remember’ in some variation is used over 250 times and ‘obey’ has a mere 210 references. Perhaps it’s because remembrance naturally brings about obedience? How much sin might be avoided if we simply took the time to recall previous mercy, provision and protection?
We must refuse to forget God’s faithfulness. A lack of remembering will surely result in our misery.
The Israelites built altars. They stacked stones in special places so they wouldn’t walk by oblivious. They assembled these recognition stations all around their lives to force their recall: God is good. He can be trusted. He still moves mountains. There is hope.
Take a few moments today: think back to three places God where has moved mightily in your story. Try to imagine where you would be apart from divine intervention. Revel in the reality of His presence and affection. Let the recall of those interruptions bolster your gratitude and trust for whatever you face today.
"Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is no one like Me." (Isaiah 46:9 NLT)
Lord, please forgive us for our poor recall. Life is so loud and close that we lose track of Your faithfulness. Help us slow down and remember Your abundant faithfulness to us. Stoke our obedience for today as we continue to trust in You. Amen.