“Remembering… And Being Remembered” (Part 2)

This week, we are considering three places in the Bible where God remembers and, we are wanting to see the implications of that remembering. We started Monday with the Lord’s remembrance of comfort and mercy to the brokenhearted Hannah, and continue today in the Old Testament with:

The Remembrance of Restoration

Samson is a challenging character to nail down in the Old Testament. He was a judge of Israel, charged with the spiritual and physical welfare of the people, yet he was marked by a seemingly amoral approach to life. His life choices kept him constantly teetering between passion and lust, between confidence and arrogance. We know all too well the story of his unfortunate relationship with Delilah, the betrayal of trust, the cutting of his hair, his resulting weakness, and his ultimate loss of strength—all leading to is capture and humiliation.

A man who had been set apart before birth for God’s service was reduced to playing the part (Judges 16:21) of a brute beast of burden—abandoned, sightless, and seemingly forgotten.

Then, Samson was brought out of his place of labor to provide entertainment for his enemies at their great feast to their idol, Dagon. He was chained between two pillars of the banquet house where they could mock and ridicule his weakness and downfall.

Then Samson called to the LORD and said, “O Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.” (Judges 16:28)

Samson’s prayer was answered by the God who remembers and his strength was restored—and with it his ability to service the people of God. Once a dismal failure, Samson’s greatest victory came after restoration from those failures—a reminder of the graciousness of our God.

In the pastors events we do through RBC’s Church Ministries team, we are constantly meeting pastors and church leaders who have either failed, given up, or are considering quitting. In those times, it is of utmost importance that they be pointed to a God who remembers—and a God who restores in grace. Remember:

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

On Friday, we’ll conclude our look at the God who remembers…