Remembering!

Remembering! It is a strange phenomenon. Sometimes we forget the things we should have remembered while we keep remembering the things we should forget! What's with that? It is a problem with THE MIND! There are people who live under a cloud of sorrow over things that have not gone their way, while forgetting all the things that have and all the blessings they do truly possess. Why is it that some things are so easy to forget while other things are difficult to get out of OUR MIND no matter what is tried? Though it is true that some life experiences -- good and bad -- can leave a lasting imprint in OUR MINDS, we still need to keep our focus in balance. To do this we ought to be encouraged by God's remembrance and when He chooses to forget. Though we will never arrive at doing this as perfectly as He does (at least not while in the flesh) His perspective ought to bring us great encouragement.

In a reference to the adequacy of Christ being offered on our behalf, the Hebrew writer noted. . .
"(14) For BY A SINGLE OFFERING HE HAS PERFECTED FOR ALL TIME THOSE WHO ARE BEING SANCTIFIED. (15) And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, (16) 'This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,' (17) then he adds, 'I WILL REMEMBER THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS NO MORE.' (18) Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin." ( Hebrews 10:14-18 ESV)

The Hebrew writer quoted from Jeremiah 31:33-34. The sacrifices under the old Law were a continual reminder of sin. However, what tens of thousands of sacrifices were not able to do, Jesus, by one sacrifice, has dealt sufficiently with our sins. With Jesus having paid the debt we could never pay, God is willing to put our sins OUT OF HIS MIND. Though we may wonder how God Who knows all can forget something, He does so because He chooses to. He wants us to know that through the power of the blood of Jesus, when we are willing to turn away from our sins and turn to Him He is willing to treat us as if we had never committed them.

Though like Paul we may sometimes remember what we were (i.e. 1 Timothy 1:13 & 15; 1 Corinthians 15:9) we can be at peace because it is no longer on GOD'S MIND. May we live with joy before the Lord Who has granted such a blessing by acting in a manner that reveals our sincere appreciation for the complete forgiveness we have received. With it settled in the MIND OF GOD, may we allow it to be settled in ours as well!

Have a great day BLESSED REMEMBERING WHAT GOD HAS FORGOTTEN!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Forgiveness