Isaiah 46:9-11 – “Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure,’  11 Calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.”  NKJV

A new report I saw recently concerned the mindset of the younger generation today indicated they wanted virtually no connection to the past.  They did not want the things and treasures their parents had in their homes.  They did not want the antiques or even memories of the past rather they wanted to be incredibly mobile without any significant roots able in a moment’s notice to move from one place or thing to another.  I fear that also means relationships and it caused to reflect on REMEMBERING.

We are well aware the words of our Lord in Luke 9:62 regarding putting one’s hand to the plow and looking back.  It is a mistake to dwell on or revel in past sin rehearsing it in our minds and virtually living it again.  That would assuredly be counterproductive but there are some things we should remember.  If you will recall when the nation of Israel crossed the Jordan entering into the place of promise (Canaan) Joshua had them bring twelve stones from the river and build an altar or memorial on the banks as a REMINDER for future generations of what God had done.

Here the prophet Isaiah instructs those hearing and reading to REMEMBER the former things and in particular GOD.  He tells them that in remembering they will reflect on God’s nature, character, power, person and feats.  They will REMEMBER God’s Covenant and His promise that what He has spoken He will bring to pass.  Therefore, remembering can be both beneficial and problematic.

Jesus told His followers that in taking the Communion they would REMEMBER His death until He returned.  I have memorials in my life that I frequently go to in my mind and REMEMBER.  The remembrance strengthens my resolve, commitment and faith.  As I remember times the LORD brought to pass His promises in my life I look forward holding to the promises not yet fulfilled.  Paul even told Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:8 to “do warfare” with the prophecies spoken over him as he pressed toward God’s purposes.

History forgotten invites repeating the same mistakes!  History remembered helps to guard against the same erroneous path giving strength to the old adage, “to be forewarned is to be forearmed.”  We are serving one who can see the end from the beginning unlike you and me who can only see the beginning from the end.  God sees it before it happens and we see it in retrospect.  His word will NEVER return to Him not having been fulfilled.  If He declares it He will see it through to the end.  So REMEMBERING in this light is a powerful thing helping to encourage and strength our lives.

            May God be with you as you go through this day!