In our digital world, where phones and other devices are always ready to remind us of calendar events, phone numbers, and all the random knowledge we could ever desire, the ability to remember is in short supply. I recall, long ago in my teenage years, being able to bring to mind all my friends’ phone numbers without missing a beat. Yet today, I often have to check my phone in order to correctly type in my wife’s number for our Kroger rewards. It’s pitiful, I know, but I don’t think I am alone in this struggle.  

What causes all the lack of remembrance? Is it too many distractions, the rewiring of our brains because of technology, or simply the realities of a deteriorating human condition? While some of those things may truly affect rote memory, I know there are some things I cannot forget. I remember where I was on 9/11. I remember with great clarity the moment my wife walked down the aisle at our wedding. I also remember the moment I came to Christ at a youth camp in high school. 

Each of these moments is seared into my mind because of their significance. They were life-changing occurrences that impacted me deeply, yet the clarity and impact of those events can still wain over time – that is,  until I am reminded of them. 

In the book of 2 Peter, the apostle takes upon himself a ministry of remembrance writing to the church:

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.  2 Peter 1:12–15

It seems that Peter knew that the nature of the human existence is to slowly lose focus on what is important. Notice that he acknowledges that the church knows and is established in the truth, yet he is still compelled to “stir” them up by “way of reminder”. This brings me to my earlier thought.

I cognitively remember that night at camp when the Lord convicted me of sin and opened my eyes to his glorious grace, yet it’s not until I begin talking about it with others or intentionally reflecting on it in prayer that I feel the weight and reality of that moment afresh. There have also been times where I hear a song or find a note from that night that bring to mind the incredible love of Jesus that was shown to such a wretched sinner. That moment in time and the truth that the Lord revealed as a teen is relived once again as I take time to remember. 

The truth is that the ministry of rememberance can include the reading of scripture, a conversation with a friend, or even a physical representation of a specific moment or truth. We see evidence of the latter in God’s instructions to the people of Israel.

Given the weakness of our ever-weakening minds, we need reminders. Just like I need to set my phone to remind me of tasks at work or special events at home – we need reminders of God’s truth, God’s character, and God’s promises. 

In the Old Testament we see God establish reminders for His people. He knew that they would be easily distracted by the other nations and their false gods. He knew that their hearts would be tempted to forget the God who had covenanted with them, and so he ordained various means of remembrance. Some of the most obvious including feasts like Passover, but some where more nuanced. 

In the book of Numbers, for instance, God tells the people to “make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a cord of blue on the tassel of each corner (Num 15:38).” This is a very specific command from God with a very specific purpose.

The purpose?

And it shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the LORD, to do them, not to follow after your own heart and your own eyes, which you are inclined to whore after. 40 So you shall remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your God. 41 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God: I am the LORD your God.”  Num 15:39–41.

The tassel was not a means of salvation, but a means of remembrance. It was given to the people as a way of reminding them of God’s holiness, his salvation, and their own proclivity towards sin. Fast forward again to Peter who shares a message for the people to be constantly reminded of, namely, the salvation of God that leads to personal holiness:

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, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith…  2 Peter 1:3–5

Peter wants the church to always remember the profound work of the gospel that has “granted us his precious and very great promises” leading to our escape from the bondage to sin. The apostle then goes on to list how we can actively grow in our faith by adding virtue, knowledge, steadfastness, godliness, brother love, and self-control. All of these qualities bring about a fruitful life, yet we can lose sight of them as we live among a world that is calling us away from Christ. 

Like Israel, we need regular reminders to reject the sin and bondage of this world and hold fast to the glorious salvation that has been given to us in Christ.

I pray this would be an encouragement for the people of Heritage to take up the ministry of remembrance in our own circle of influence. Let us remind one another of the truth of God’s Word, the character of our holy and righteous God, and the promises we have in Christ. Who can you speak to this week with the purpose of reminding them of the promises of Jesus? It could simply be a discussion about a passage you are reading or sermon you recently heard. Sharing your testimony is also another great way to remind people of God’s goodness and grace, and may lead to others sharing so that all are reminded. 

I also pray we would stop and consider how we can intentionally remind ourselves to remember the goodness of God and our purpose in making disciples of Jesus. Whether it’s post-it notes on the vanity or a Bible verse reminder on your phone, consider how you can set reminders in your path.

This is one of the reasons we created the new shirts featuring our mission statement. We wanted our church to have regular, physical reminders of our unity in Christ and our mission together. Imagine hundreds of walking reminders of God’s goodness and mission inside the schools, businesses, and families throughout the Lynchburg community. That truly is an exciting thought. 

One final consideration. The fact that we require so many reminders is another evidence of the importance of the local church. We need each other, because when we are isolated we tend to forget critical truths about Christ and His Word. In those moments of temptation or despair, God has given you and I the people of God to remind us of the love of God. When we are in Christ we not only have an eternal relationship with God but also with his people.

Therefore, place yourself amidst the body of Christ so that you may find regular reminders of his goodness.  Alone we can find it hard to recall all that God has done, but together we can find eregular reminders so that we can continue with a bold assurance in Christ.

Mike Crump

Pastor of Church Communications

In his role as Pastor of Church Communications, Mike works to promote and resource ongoing ministry/events connected with the body here at Heritage. He also creates & distributes gospel-centered content (both physical & digital) among our wider congregation.