Remember! And live!
The importance of keeping our memories alive.
The Bible is full of references to the importance of remembrance. Most of them are in a positive context, to remember God's Covenant, promises and faithfulness.
What Does Remembering Stand For?
“Something that is kept alive in the memory, so that it can be called to conscious thought without effort”, is how Webster's Dictionary describes “to remember”.
It's different from to recall/recollect, for this implies some effort or will to bring something back to mind.
When we “reminisce”, we remember or tell others of past events or experiences in our own life.
Old Testament Remembrance
“Zachar” (Hebrew for remember, think of, mention) is for the first time used in Genesis 8:1. “God remembered Noah.” The LORD tells Noah in Genesis 9:15, “I will remember my covenant.” And when we see the rainbow in the sky, we are reminded of God's promise to mankind.
God Remembers
God remembers His covenant promises, and then acts to fulfill them. God remembered Abraham, His people.
“I heard their groaning… remembered My covenant…” (Exodus 6:5-6). God's promise to remember is repeated by the covenant on Mount Sinai, when the Israelites become a people. (Leviticus 26:40-45).
Many Psalms mention the fact that God remembers His covenant. (Psalm 98:3; 105:8; 42; 106:45). The prophets link God's remembrance to the people's restoration from captivity. (Ezekiel 16:60).
Jeremiah 31:34 heralds the new covenant promise, “I forgive their iniquity, I will remember their sin no more.”
Remind Others to Remember
In a different context, Joseph told Pharaoh's butler to “remember, mention” him. (Genesis 40:14).
God's Commandment to Remember
God commands His people to:
- “Remember this day when you came out of Egypt.” (Exodus 13:3)
- “Remember the Sabbath day.” (Exodus 20:8)
- Above all, “to remember His marvelous works.” (Psalm 105:5; 1 Chronicles 16:15).
Memorials and Remembrances
“Zechor”, “Zikaron”, means remembrance, memorial.
- God said of His covenant name (YHWH = LORD) “this is my memorial unto all generation. (Exodus 3:15; Psalm 30:4; 135:13). The name recalls His acts to fulfill His Covenant.
- God's people were commanded to “remember Amelek.” (Exodus 17:14).
- The bronze layer that covered the altar (Numbers 16:40) and the heap of stones near the Jordan River (Joshua 4:7; 20-24) served as perpetual memorials to the sons of Israel
- Two “memorial stones” inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes were part of the priest's ephod
- Before the Israelites went into battle, the people sacrificed sheep and trumpets were blown. “May they be a memorial before your God.” (Numbers 10:9,10)
New Testament “memorials”
The Greek word “anamimnesko” is used in an active voice, and means to remind, call to ones mind.
“Anamnesis” is remembrance. The word is still used today by doctors when referring to the patient's medical history.
When someone suffers from “Amnesia”, we all know it means forgetfulness.
The most known NT example of “remember” we find in 1 Corinthians 11:24, 25. These texts are read by most Christians preceding Communion: “Do this in remembrance of Me!”
Remembrance, Still Vital Today
“Forgetfulness leads to exile, while remembrance is the secret of redemption.” (Baal Shem Tov - founder of Chassidism.)
These words are written above the exit of the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial museum in Jerusalem, Israel.
The Jewish people and Remembrance
Remembrance continues to be an integral part of Judaism.
- Memorial lights are lit in memory of deceased relatives. This practice is based on Proverbs 20:27, “The soul of man is a lamp for the LORD.” Originating from medieval Germany, the practice spread to other communities. Because memorial lights must burn 24 hours, special candles are used in metal or glass holders.
- Memorial services and their special prayers (Hazkarah) memorialize the dead and express the hope their souls may be granted eternal repose. We read about this ancient practice in 2 Maccabees 12:43. Judah Maccabbee tells the people “… to pray for the dead and make atonement for them, so that they might be cleared of their sin.” In Talmudic times (around 200 AD) these “hazkaroth” had become accepted customs.
- Deuteronomy 4:9 says, “…don't forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”(NIV)
Remembrance is Positive
In Judaism, remembrance must be seen in a positive light. It shouldn't inflict guilt or exact vengeance, but evoke positive action in light of the negative things that have befallen someone. E.g. many Jews create memorial funds for the sick and needy and thus honor the memory of a loved one.
Remembrance and Rosemary
In city parks and the wild, throughout Israel you find an abundance of Rosemary shrubs. A member of the mint family, the evergreen shrubs have a pungent aromatic fragrance. The ancient people already knew about its reputation for strengthening the memory. Modern day scientists have proven that Rosemary's scent is an effective memory stimulant.
Our Commandment to Remember
Paul reminds Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:8, “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.”
We too need to keep in mind the One who rose, the Source and supplier of all our needs. And may we continue to remember God's goodness towards His people and to us.
To Forget Means to Die - to Remember, to Live
Remember! And live!
