Welcome back, Visionaries
Welcome to the first part of our series on Deuteronomy 27. Today, we’re focusing on the art of remembering important stuff – just like how the Israelites were told to write the law on stones. Let’s explore why keeping a good memory of what matters is crucial in our lives.
Remembering to Keep Our Focus
The Israelites writing laws on stones (Deut. 27:2-3) is like us jotting down things we shouldn’t forget. It’s about keeping our focus on what’s truly important. When we remember our values and goals, it’s easier to make decisions that reflect who we really are.
Scriptures That Echo This Principle:
- Psalm 103:2: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:”
- Proverbs 3:1: “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:”
- Hebrews 12:5: “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:”
- James 1:25: “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”
- 2 Peter 1:9: “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”
Remembering Shapes Our Identity
Remembering where we come from, our traditions, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way shapes our identity. It’s like a compass that guides us through life’s twists and turns.
More Cross-References:
- Deuteronomy 8:2: “And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.”
- Psalm 77:11: “I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.”
- 1 Chronicles 16:12: “Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;”
- Luke 22:19: “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.”
- Ecclesiastes 12:1: “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;”
The Power of Collective Memory
Just as the Israelites collectively remembered God’s laws, we too are part of a community. Our shared memories and traditions bind us together and create a sense of belonging.
More Scriptures for Reflection:
- Deuteronomy 4:9: “Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;”
- Joshua 4:21-22: “And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.”
- Psalm 78:4: “We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.”
- Exodus 12:26-27: “And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses.”
As we remember our past, our values, and our beliefs, we navigate life with a clearer sense of purpose and direction. Let’s cherish our memories and the lessons they hold, for they are like guiding stars in our life’s journey.
Stay tuned for the next part of our series, where we’ll dive into the power of unity and collective responsibility!
And remember, a visionary mind nurtures a creative spirit. Let your vision guide you, keep your mission organized, and always keep creating. Until next time, stay visionary.
