PSALM 32
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
A time of reflection:
Over the last 6 months many of us have done more thinking and pondering than ever before. With restrictions in place (and a reduction of new places, experiences, adventures to explore), many of us have been reminded of past times and remembered a life more fully "lived".
This week I spoke with two friends at opposite ends of the "lived" spectrum. A friend has her 21st birthday today, and is eager to live the life ahead of her when restrictions will not be in place (and she can finally celebrate with all friends). At the opposite end of the spectrum is a women I admire greatly. She acted with extraordinary ability and heroism in the 2nd world war, covertly charting the flight path of many enemy planes. In my eyes - listening to the reality of her efforts... she won the war for us, and is the reason I have freedom in life today. Now in her late 90's, conversations with her often return to the same memories, and are content to settle on recollections of the life already lived. She knows in the context of restriction (both covid and physical ability) that the cup of life is nearly full, and she is content with it, not least because she knows her life is hidden in Christ.
In her own words "eternity, and when I see Jesus, is when I will really start lving".
What not to remember.
Naomi says in Ruth 1:20. "Don't call me Naomi, Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter." She can only remember in that moment that death has covered her life, and the loss of loved ones. Her only memories are that God took away everything that defined "life" for her. She is a reminder that bitterness is a destructive bramble, choking every Joy, making life a cul-de-sac to revisit past dissappointments. Satan loves this... he loves to recycle death and sadness, which is why Hebrews wisely reminds us not to have a root of bitterness.
"See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." We're reminded that as we grow older we either get bitter or better, In the company of others we either become a fragrence of God and grace (the sweetness of life - Psalm 34:8), or a taste of sharp acidity.
The Christian should never have a root of bitterness or be stuck on the slow motion replay of past hurts. Why? Because of the way God has treated us...as the psalmest says
"If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,"
so that we can, with reverence, serve you."
(Psalm 130:3&4).
What to remember.
Heart revival, true spiritual life and freedom comes from the foundational disicpline of remembering God's grace. As we remember that he hasn't treated us as we deserve but by chosing to pay for our sin in Christ and chosing to remember it no more, so we are freed to live a new day in his resurection power. This heart conviction of grace changes everything, changes every day life to be lived in it's fullness (John 10:10)
Paul often says he is writing to the church to "remind them" (Rom 15:15), Peter reminds us not to forget grace (2 Peter 1:9 cf verse 2-9) . The discipline of remembrance is so,so, important. Israel forgot God's grace (Deut 4:9, 8:11, 14:19). Joshua not only did great exploits in God's grace but set up memorials so that the next generations remembered God's goodness. (Joshua 4:4-7)
Durung your times of increased reflection, start good disciplines to remind yourself of God;s goodness.
Maybe today you can take a moment to thank God for the past. Thank Him for the great things he has already done. As a team today we are praising Him, for ecery success is from Him. We're thankung him for homes, built, churches born, lives transfrormed, children rescued, the hungry fed, those forgotten in war - remembered, fed, loved, provided for.
Pray today for those who are turning 21 and leaving the immediate care of church families to live a life on the foundation of God's grace.
Pray today for Pastor Sasha, who was inudcted this weekend to the new church plant in Uman (Donbass), that
- The church will be full of grace, a city on a hill, shinning brightly for the Glory of God.
- That many will see their good deeds and Christlikeness, and glorify their Father in heaven.
- That many will come to know the God of grace there, and come to maturity in Christ as they grow in grace.
Whatever age and stage you are today, may God bless your memory and fill it with his goodness.
(Ephesians 4:30-32)
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
