A Good Time to Remember
The Feast of Tabernacles is a time when we look forward to the future. We focus on the Kingdom of God and all the positives that pertain to it. This gives us hope and encouragement for dealing with the issues of today.
However, it is also a good time to remember, as God encourages us to do.
Moses encouraged the people to reflect on what the Lord had done for them. He had delivered them from Egypt, without which they would not be in a position to be looking forward toward the land of promise.“Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations. Ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you” (Deuteronomy 32:7).
Have you ever thought about what your life might be like now if God had not called you? If we are realistic, it is probably not a pretty picture. We have a great deal for which to be thankful as we remember the days of old as far as our personal lives are concerned. It is through God’s deliverance that we have the opportunity to look forward towards the Kingdom.
As we plan for the upcoming Holy Days and the offerings, we are to consider the blessings God has given us. It requires looking back to do that. It reinforces where we are now and where we are going. It strengthens our view of all that God has done for us – and will yet do in the future.“Remember the word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word had given me life” (Psalm 119:49-50).
Remembering strengthens our faith. We must conclude that without God, our lives would be nothing. (Psalm 77:11-15.)“Remember this, and show yourselves men; recall to mind, O you transgressors. Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done … (Isaiah 46:8-10).
Yes, we are to look forward to the Kingdom of God with anticipation. But that anticipation is enhanced by remembering.
Brian Orchard“For ask now concerning the days that are past, which were before you, since the day that God created man on the earth, and ask from one end of heaven to the other, whether any great thing like this has happened, or anything like it has been heard” (Deuteronomy 4:32).
