Remember That God Remembers
In Psalm 78 we are provided a recounting of Israel’s history with God: despite their faithlessness, God was faithful, and the psalm stresses again and again the importance of remembering this. In reading this psalm recently one phrase from v.39 struck me with great force: “He remembered that they were but flesh.” Though divine discipline was needed at times, God never abandoned his people. He extended compassion to them because of their human weakness and frailty. And so the psalm shouts, “Remember!”
The season of Advent calls us to remember God’s past faithfulness as well, namely, in the sending of his Son. Remarkably, God took a step further than simply remembering that we are flesh, and his Son literally became flesh. He entered into our weakness, stepped into our frailty. The author of Hebrews tells us that “he had to be made like his brothers in every respect” so that he could become the ultimate sacrifice for sin (2:18). As a result, he can now“sympathize with our weaknesses”, and we can “with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (4:14-16).
Wherever we find ourselves feeling the weakness and frailty of our flesh as we enter this Advent season, may we remember that God remembers us. If God feels far off, may we be reminded that he has come near in Christ. And, as the body of Christ, may we remember that we have a role to play in helping others remember God’s faithfulness. Later in Hebrews, we are exhorted to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together” (10:24-25).
Heavenly Father, thank you for remembering that we are but flesh and for sending your Son to our rescue. Because of his completed death and resurrection on our behalf, may we remember your grace and mercy in time of need and also remember to live alongside one another with genuine love and good works.
Ben
Monthly Book Recommendation
A great article reminding us about the weakness of our humanity as we come together to worship each week:
“Imperfections Make Sundays More Beautiful”
by Matt Merker