Don’t Forget to Remember

by LATOIA
Filed under Faith, Family, Parenting

As I watch the inauguration of the 44th President of these United States, I sit in awe gazing at the sea of over two million people gathered on the mall for this historic occasion. I can’t help but contrast it with the exodus of the millions of people among the children of Israel. It took a sovereign God to coordinate such an event as well as obedient people. Just as millions of Americans waited today to hear something, anything from their new, God appointed leader, (Romans 13:1) the children of Israel hung onto every word that both Moses and Joshua gave to them.

God had previously parted the Red Sea for His people and ushered them safely out of Egypt. (Exodus 14) Later, He stopped the flow of the Jordan when it was at its highest point, during flood season. It was a perfect opportunity for God not only show that He was with His people but, that He would move mightily on their behalf. (Joshua 3)

Many of the people that flocked to Washington for a taste of history will take back souvenirs of all types to share with their children and their children’s children. They will place these momentos in special places in their homes and take great care to preserve the memories. Similarly, God told Joshua to instruct 12 men (one from each tribe) to pick up a stone from the bed of the Jordan. The stones were placed at Gilgal. Joshua 4:21-24 reads, “…In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, “What do these stones mean?” tell them, Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground. For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over…He did this so that all that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.” God wanted them to remember what He had done for them. He wanted the memories to be preserved for all generations.

All too often we forget to document and commemorate the great and mighty ways God works in our lives. As if Jesus’ cleansing blood wasn’t enough, God still moves on our behalf. Unfortunately, we behave just like the Israelites. Our memories grow dim and we return to our doubtful and disobedient ways as if we have no God. Save your Obama pins, buttons, pictures and plaques. Tell the stories to your children and grandchildren but, not before sharing how God has moved in your life.

Many African-Americans shed tears of joy and victory in celebration of a once seemingly unattainable goal today. I can imagine the tears that were shed once the Israelites crossed over into the promised land, the joy they must have felt with every victory. We must not forget to remember where our blessings come from. I pray that God uses President Obama to turn the hearts of the people back to Him. Moreover, I pray that we all continually cover President Obama with our prayers that he continually seeks the Lord.