Parish Magazine Item for November

From the Rectory

A reminder!

November is a month that reminds us to remember. On Remembrance Sunday we give thanks for all those who have laid down their lives in war in the cause of justice and freedom. And we also “remember, remember the 5^th of November, gun-powder treason and plot.”

The Bible has lots to say about remembering, which is hardly surprising when we recall how forgetful we are. The word “remember” comes 166 times in the Bible and a further 75 times in various other forms.

For example, the preacher of the book of Ecclesiastes counsels us to:

“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"” (12:1)

The Bible talks about God remembering and not remembering too:

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:13-14)

We’re repeatedly told that God remembers his covenant, the agreement he has made with his people. God makes promises and he keeps them. He alone is utterly trustworthy and reliable.

Yet God also promises:

“I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12)

Not, of course, that God is absent minded, as we so often are. Rather, God promises not to call to mind the sins of believers. Yes, he knows all about them, but he doesn’t relate to us on the basis of them. God forgives and “forgets”. He doesn’t hold our sins against us if we cast ourselves on his mercy.

That’s worth remembering.

Rev’d Marc Lloyd