“Remembering… And Being Remembered” (Part 3)

This week, we are considering three places in the Bible where God remembers and we are  seeing the implications of that remembering. We started Monday with the Lord’s remembrance of comfort and mercy to the brokenhearted Hannah, and continued Wednesday in the Old Testament with Samson and the remembrance of restoration. Today we move to the New Testament, and see:

The Remembrance of Salvation

In the most momentous event in human history, our attention is, quite understandably, fixated on the center cross on a Judean hillside where the Son of God hung dying for our ultimate restoration and forgiveness. There were, however, two other crosses. The events surrounding the crucifixion of Christ form the lion’s share of the Gospel records, and the actions and comments of these two men are part of that record.

In that record, we see an interesting movement. In the beginning of the event, both men mock the Christ. Both men insult and ridicule the King of kings. But slowly something changes. One of the thieves, apparently impacted by the actions and words of the Person on the center cross, eventually rebukes his fellow criminal and then turns to Christ and says:

“Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” (Luke 23:42)

In my judgment, this is the greatest display of faith in the New Testament. A man on a cross, suffering the anguish and horrors of crucifixion declaring hope and faith in another Man on a cross, suffering the anguish and horrors of crucifixion. It really is extraordinary. What triggered this confession? Some say it is hearing Jesus’ words of compassion directed at His tormenters. Others declare it to have been extended exposure to the compelling person of Jesus. It is probably both—and more. What we do know, however, is that this thief was a confessed sinner who cried out to the God who remembers, and Jesus assured him:

“Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

We see the saving work of the Christ who was at that very moment dying to save, and we see the remembrance of salvation. Remarkable.

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For us, we face the challenges of remembering our God:

• “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, ‘I have no delight in them’ ” (Ecc.12:1)
• “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,” (2 Tim.2:8)
• “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’” (1 Cor.11:23-25)

But, how important it is to remember that we serve the God who remembers and who promises to never forget His own:

“For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.” (Heb 6:10)

You can serve Him faithfully, knowing that He is the God who won’t forget.