Seven Things to Remember as seen in Deuteronomy - Part 1 of 7

One of the hardest struggles of aging is the fight to remember things. Most of us at some point in our lives will experience that frustrating feeling of walking into a room to suddenly ask this question, “Why did I just come in here?” It’s frustrating to lose your memory and can get you into real trouble, especially with your spouse. But the battle of the memory is not a new battle, it is one that has plagued man throughout history. The writer of the great hymn Amazing Grace said this at age 82, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior.” There is wise counsel in believing those two things and if you do, you will in the end find yourself spending eternity on the right side of God.

Having just wrapped up a study on the Old Testament book Deuteronomy, I see that I am certainly not alone in my memory battle. The entire nation of Israel seemed to be continually forgetful of the truth of who God is and what He has done for them. The main purpose of the celebration of their festivals was to look back and remember how God had delivered and saved them. As Christians, our lives have a simple celebration that we are supposed to do as the church; communion. Jesus instructs us in Luke 22:19 that as we celebrate communion we are to “Do this in remembrance of me.” The secret to a fruitful Christian life is to remember just what Christ has done for us, what He is doing for us, and what He will do for us in the coming days.

The essence of Deuteronomy is found in the meaning of the word itself.  Deuteronomy means “second law.” Why did the Jews need a double dose of the law? Simply because like us, they tend to forget. One of the keys to memorizing something is repetition. So Moses, who was about to depart from the scene, reminded God’s people of just what being God’s chosen people would demand of them. Though Christians today are not bound by the strict laws of the Jews, we would do well to study them, for in studying the law we can learn more about who God is. The lesson of Deuteronomy is a lesson of remembrance. The final wrap up in my study of Deuteronomy, as led by Warren Wiersbe’s commentary, presented seven things the Jews were to remember. We Christians can learn from them as well.

The first thing to remember is this, “Remember the Lord.” This command comes from Deuteronomy 8:18

You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

It was God’s Word that Moses was chosen to speak. He spoke it to the Jews, he spoke it to their slave master Pharaoh, and through the Bible he speaks it to us. The Bible is a collection of God’s Word as the Holy Spirit inspired men to record.

2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

Like the Jews we need to constantly be reminded of who God is and the Bible is our source. Why do we need it? Hear Paul out I the second part of the statement above.

2 Timothy 3:17
that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Remember the Lord. Read His word. Commit it to memory.