Remembering
Scripture Reading — Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.
—Deuteronomy 5:15
Anniversaries are for looking back and remembering. On the special day of their wedding anniversary, a married couple may pull out their photo albums and reminisce about their years together. Anniversaries are an opportunity for a husband and wife to take stock of their relationship, celebrate one another, and give thanks to God for his goodness and faithfulness through the years.
In much the same way, God gives us the gift of Sabbath for “remembering.” That’s what God made clear to his people in today’s Bible reading; “Observe the Sabbath day.” How? Remember! “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.”
Like an anniversary, Sabbath for Israel was to be a time for looking back and remembering. So, in addition to pausing, or resting, Sabbath gives us a regular opportunity to look back and be reminded of all the ways God has been at work in our lives, blessing us, leading us, and providing for us.
The practice of a regular Sabbath helps us to be intentional about telling the stories of all God has done for us in Jesus, and to remember how valuable our relationship with the Father is through him.
Help me, O God, to regularly remember and celebrate all that you have done for me through your Son, Jesus. Thank you for his life, death, and resurrection! Amen.
About the author — Shawn Brix
Rev. Shawn Brix has served as pastor in several Ontario churches. He and his wife, Jenny, have three children.
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