Remember or Else
Recollection best serves its purpose when it helps us gain an advantage that we didn't enjoy previously.
Do you remember this Tuesday six years ago? Do you remember people jumping out of flaming skyscrapers and hijacked airliners tearing holes in the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field? Do you remember what you were doing when you heard the news and what you didn’t do because you were watching the news? Do you remember the reports of more dead or missing Americans?
Some say we ought to get over the remembering. That September 11 “fatigue” is settling in and we’d be better off moving forward than dwelling on the past. Others say we’ve not remembered very well at all because the architects of the terror on that day still hold us captive to our fear and from our freedoms. Still others warn that we ought not let down our guard and we must do whatever it takes to remember so that it doesn’t happen again.
Recalling a past event does serve a helpful purpose, as long as the remembrance isn’t only nostalgic or a forced reminder to engage rote activities (like feeling compelled to sing “Happy Birthday”). I suggest that the argument about remembering September 11 isn’t really about remembering, but whether or not the remembering has served a helpful purpose. Does our remembering put us in a better position of safety, strength, and security than we were in six years ago?
Recollection best serves its purpose when it helps us gain an advantage that we didn’t enjoy previously.
Football coaches coax their players to victory by reminding them of what happened last time. Remember that terrible loss or it will more easily happen again.
Doctors remind their patients of the devastating effects caused by unhealthy habits like overeating or smoking or too much stress. Remember the casualties or it will happen to you.
On the other hand, remembering can be pleasant. Parents dropping off their oldest child at college ease the pain of separation by remembering the special times. These fond memories prevent uncontrollable anxiety or sadness.
Recollection plays that role in God’s interaction with people, all of whom he loves. Take a tour through the Bible and you’ll see the tool of remembrance helping all kinds of people in all kinds of situations gain an advantage of faith and resolve.
Rainbows are signs from God to help us remember that he keeps his promises, that he’ll never again destroy the world with a flood, that weather is under his control, and that there will be an end to life on this planet so be prepared now. Remember that and you’ll be more secure.
One of the Ten Commandments urges, “Remember the Sabbath Day” (Exodus 20:8), taking us all the way back to the work of God’s creating activity when he paused, put down his tools, and enjoyed the beauty of his creation. Remember that and you’ll be less stressed.
In many places the Bible urges us to remember the saving acts of God because he can and will act in that same way for us. Remember him delivering Hebrews slaves from Egypt when they thought that God had forgotten them. Remember the waters of the Red Sea crashing down on the mighty Egyptians when the Hebrews thought they didn’t have a chance against horses and chariots. Remember how God used wicked world powers like Assyria, who terrorized other nations, to accomplish his saving purposes. Remember the love of Jesus who welcomed sinners and died for them all – for us. Remember the poor. Remember prisoners. Remember to pray for enemies. Remember it is God who gives wealth and possessions and relationships and has the right to remove them in his loving wisdom if it is for our good.
Today, and every day, is a good day to remember. “Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced … He is the LORD our God” (Psalm 105:5,7).
PRAYER: On this day of terror and loss, Lord of the nations, we remember the pain of being attacked, becoming so vulnerable, and realizing that fear will pursue us in a new age of terrorism. May today’s recollection and tomorrows resolve lead us not into anger or bitterness, but into a prudent response that balances force with love. Give us the wisdom and courage to be responsible for our freedoms and use them with care for others. Most of all, help us remember the wonders you have done, the works of service you have planned for us, and the future of this planet that you hold in your hands as much as the first days of creation. Amen.