We say or write ‘lest we forget’ in commemorations to remember the service and sacrifice of veterans who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Let’s see what the scripture says in Deut. 6:10 -12
10.) “So it shall be, when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He [a]swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build.
11.) houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant—when you have eaten and are full
12.) then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
One of the weaknesses of people is forgetfulness.
People forget to keep appointments; some forget to keep promises, and so on.
Forgetfulness is a big concern to People and also to God. Job lamented in Job 19:14 – My relatives have failed, And my close friends have forgotten me.
Let’s look at the things we must not forget.
- God
Don’t forget God’s Commandments. His covenant, His mercies, His redeeming love, His blessings.
You will not remain on the same level. God will increase you as you serve Him but beware that you don’t forget God when He has increased and multiplied you.
If you want your blessings to be generational, permanent and sustainable, you must not forget who the giver of all things is – God.
How do people forget God? Not because of a loss of memory but when they allow His blessings to be the reason for not serving Him (children, job, house, business, etc).
The consequences of forgetting God are that:
- It can lead to rebellion: Psa.106:7 says God was not impressed with the Israelites because they soon forgot His many acts of kindness to them. Instead, they rebelled against him at the Red Sea.
- It ignites God’s anger/destruction
2. Your Parents:
In 1Sam. 22: 3 – 4, David’s life was at risk of being killed by Saul. He was running from cave to cave, yet he created time to rescue his parents to ensure their safety.
…from there David went to Mizpah in Moab and said to the king of Moab, “Would you let my father and mother come and stay with you until I learn what God will do for me?” 4. So he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him as long as David was in the stronghold.
Don’t wait until you are rich and comfortable before you remember your parents.
Joseph in the Bible is also a very example.(Gen 45:23)
Jesus was about to die yet one of His concerns was who will take care of His mother – John 19:25-28 (vs 28: for Jesus, nothing was accomplished until His Jesus has ensured the care and safety of His mother).
- Your Precious friends:
According to Pro.18:24 – There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
There are people God has used to bring you out of the pit, to save you from shame and disgrace, to cover your nakedness when you were most vulnerable.
Those who stood by you in your wilderness days. Do not forget them.
In 2 Sam 9:1 – David said, “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?
He looked out to repay Jonathan, though he was no more.
People who were there for you. People who stood by you when no one gave you a chance. Those you have passed through, even if they have mistreated you along the line; don’t forget them. For the married, your spouse is your first and best friend.
Let’s pray: Ask God for mercy and forgiveness for any act of forgetfulness you have demonstrated to Him, your friends or your parents.