Compare the following passages from the Old Testament book of Isaiah: (1) Isaiah 43:18, “Do not remember the former things, neither consider the things of old,” (2) Isaiah 46:9, “Remember the former things of old.”
At first glance it appears that Isaiah contradicts himself. First he says, “remember not,” then he says, “remember.” So which is it? Both! We are to remember not, and we are to remember. But our problem as Christians is that we remember what we are supposed to forget, and we forget what we are supposed to remember.
We are to remember not the sins of the past which are under the cleansing blood of Jesus. We are to remember not the offenses of others. We are to remember not the lies of the devil. We are to remember the promises of God. We are to remember the goodness and faithfulness of God. We are to remember the blessings God has given over the years.
Rather than contradicting himself, Isaiah is presenting a very important principle for victorious Christian living. He is telling us that in the Christian life there are things to remember, and there are things to forget. May the Lord help us to remember the things we’re supposed to remember, and forget the things we’re supposed to forget.
Pastor Todd
At first glance it appears that Isaiah contradicts himself. First he says, “remember not,” then he says, “remember.” So which is it? Both! We are to remember not, and we are to remember. But our problem as Christians is that we remember what we are supposed to forget, and we forget what we are supposed to remember.
We are to remember not the sins of the past which are under the cleansing blood of Jesus. We are to remember not the offenses of others. We are to remember not the lies of the devil. We are to remember the promises of God. We are to remember the goodness and faithfulness of God. We are to remember the blessings God has given over the years.
Rather than contradicting himself, Isaiah is presenting a very important principle for victorious Christian living. He is telling us that in the Christian life there are things to remember, and there are things to forget. May the Lord help us to remember the things we’re supposed to remember, and forget the things we’re supposed to forget.
Pastor Todd
