Reminded More Than Instructed

“It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.  The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”  (Genesis 9:14-16)

When the rain stops during daylight hours … when the sunshine breaks through the dark clouds … it happens!  The beauty of a rainbow speaks for itself, doesn’t it!

It’s an identifiable reminder for the smallest child with bright young eyes, to the oldest adults whose vision may be dimming.  The rainbow is God’s sign and lasting reminder of His promise to Noah and “and to every living creature of all flesh.”

Not all reminders are as beautiful or pleasant as that of God’s rainbow in the sky.  A child does not enjoy being reminded to talk more softly … play more quietly … eat more cleanly … or obey instructions from Mom and Dad.

Adults can be just as bad or even worse, can’t we?  Reminders from our spouse, boss, those in authority … and in far too many cases, we don’t want to be reminded from God’s word on what to do or not do … say or not say …  or even what we think about in our most private of moments.

C.S. Lewis writes, “People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed …” (Mere Christianity)

God has always used the tools of reminders and remembrances to help His people and even His enemies of the importance He places on serving, obeying and pleasing Him!

The Book of Deuteronomy is full of reminders revealed by God through Moses to His people and preserved for our benefit.  A very sobering study for all of us would be to go through this wonderful book of the Bible and note how often the word “remember” appears.  The reminders God reveals are pinpoint accurate on the people’s needs then and even now!  Note Deuteronomy 4:1-10, 15-31; 6:1-8; 8:1-3, 4-10, 11-20. These are only a few of so many examples of God’s concern for His people.

God’s reminders are always right on target.  He is the Master Archer because He knew the hearts of all His people then even as He knows our hearts today. We must listen with open ears and hearts lest we become victims of our own making!

When we determine to remember what we have already learned from God and His inspired word … we will find ourselves making better decisions!

When we determine to remember what we’ve already learned from God and His inspired will … we will find ourselves living better and happier lives!

When we can learn to remember what we know and believe about the God we serve … the more we will love Him … serve Him … express our gratitude to Him … ultimately resolving to obey Him … no matter what!

If we think in an inadequate/worldly way about our God, it will most certainly lead to an inadequate/non-pleasing faith!

If we think inappropriately … if we fail in our  remembrance  that God is perfect in every way … in His goodness, mercy, grace, truth, holiness and justice … we will not live godly lives that extend mercy, grace and forgiveness to others, even as we have been  the recipients ourselves of these things!

May we learn to listen more carefully … think more often and deeply … pray more fervently to always remember who we are!  We are the people of God and He expects us to live like it!

“I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old.”  (Psalm 77:11)

Bill Fairchild, Jr.

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