"Reminders of Grace"

"Reminders of Grace"

   

    Remembrance constitutes a vital aspect of our relationship and fellowship with God. "I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Thy wonders of old" (Psalm 77:11).

   Forgetfulness, conversely, constitutes a challenging aspect of our flesh, particularly regarding spiritual truths and realities. "Thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength" (Isaiah 17:10).

    It is no coincidence that one of the two ordinances of the church, the Lord's supper, involves simple remembrance of the Lord Jesus Christ and His redeeming work on our behalf.  "This do in remembrance of Me" (I Corinthians 11:24-25).  In principle, we may never actually forget the Lord and His goodness.  In practice, however, we can live as if we've never even heard of God and His truth in Christ.  We therefore require continual reminders of grace as we journey upon the path of righteousness.  Just as importantly, we must remember our proclivity toward forgetfulness so that we will avail ourselves of the signposts provided by our Heavenly Father that maintain our walk with Him.  The Apostle Peter referenced this spiritual necessity in a passage beloved by preachers and teachers of God's Word:

    "I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you know them and be established in the present truth" (II Peter 1:12).

   Peter grants license for much repetition to those who seek to communicate God's truth.  We all require reminders in order to remember Truth in a manner that impacts our response to God, particularly in times of challenge.  The default position of our flesh involves "deer in the headlights" paralysis regarding our Lord's presence and promise of grace.  Awareness and acknowledgment of this spiritual condition motivates us to avail ourselves of the gifts God gives for the maintaining "of those things which are most surely believed among us" (Luke 1:1).  The Scriptures, the personal presence of the Holy Spirit, and our fellow believers help us to recall, recollect, and remember.  "I will not forget Thy Word" affirmed the Psalmist (Psalm 119:16).  We will forget, however, if we fail to avail ourselves of the signposts along the way that direct us onward and upward to our Lord and His truth.  Walking with God does not just happen.  He does not zap us with grace in order to enable our journey, but rather provides us with the holy means whereby we experience real relationship and fellowship because we actively respond to God's grace.  "Exercise thyself rather unto godliness" (I Timothy 4:7).  Again, remembrance involves a primary aspect of such response.  Acknowledging our tendency to forget, and availing ourselves of the Lord's aids for remembrance, goes far in helping us to access the grace of His abiding presence and involvement.

"Seek the LORD, and His strength: seek His face evermore. Remember His marvelous works that He hath done; His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth."

(Psalm 105:4-5)

Weekly Memory Verse

    But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

(Hebrews 2:9)