04 - The Importance of Remembering

Lets carry on...

In Deuteronomy 31:9 - 12 it reads ‘So Moses wrote this entire body of instruction in a book and gave it to the priests, who carried the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, and to the elders of Israel. The Moses have them this final command ‘’At the end of every seventh year, the Year of Release, during the Festival of Shelters, you must read this Book of Instruction to all the peoples of Israel when they assemble before the Lord you God at the place he chooses. Call them all together – men, woman and children and the foreigners living in your towns – so they may hear this Book of Instruction and learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully obey all the terms of these instructions.’

From this scripture again we see the significance of remembrance in that God tells Moses the importance of reading the scripture publicly. It should be read regularly - every seven years - so that people will remember all of the Lord’s commandments and be careful to obey them. Furthermore it affirms the regularity and order of God that things should be done systematically and regularly. It also reminds us of a God who communicates with His people, an immanent and relational God who longs to be close to His people. It shows us a God who intimately cares for His people giving them a book of instruction, a set of guidelines to follow that will enable His people to holy and good lives. In reading this book of the law it also reminds the people of Israel of the character of their God for example, they should not commit adultery because God is not an adulterous God but a faithful one; they should not commit idol worship because God is a glorious God who reigns in splendour and majesty. The law of God directly reflects the nature of God.

What should we say therefore can we say? Do not forget the importance of reading the Word; always read it day and night; do it regularly and in a way which is systematic and profitable. I perhaps suggest doing it more frequently than every 7 years. Isaiah 66:2 says this…’this is the one I esteem; he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.’ I long for the day that every person will tremble at the Word of the most high God. Furthermore let us remember our God is one who speaks and longs to communicate, giving us instruction and wisdom on how to live our lives. He longs for us to run this race well, to seek holiness, recognising and pursuing his character.