Remember, Know, Obey — The Power of Remembrance

In Deuteronomy 4:32-40, Moses provides Israel with a pattern for following God that remains applicable to us today: Remember. Know. Obey. This guidance is still relevant to the way we live today. Over the next few weeks, we will examine a different part of the pattern more closely.

Moses highlights three essential aspects of our walk with God:

• Remember what God has done (verse 35) because His faithfulness is worth recalling and builds faith

• Know in your heart, not just your head, that He alone is Lord (verse 39)

• Obey His commandments (verse 40a) because they lead to life

Each aspect is both an instruction and an invitation to experience God’s faithfulness.

Remember

In Deuteronomy 4:32-38, Moses cites some of the great things, signs, wonders, and deliverance God showed His people. He told them that God did this so they would never forget that “the LORD is God; there is no other besides him.”

We may not have had the same experiences with God as the children of Israel, but each Christian was drawn to and convinced of God's nature and Lordship by the Holy Spirit (see Romans 10:9-10). This is a miracle worth remembering. So are the big and small ways God shows up in our lives all the time. Our memories of God form part of the foundation of our faith in Him. Our experiences with God matter when they occur, and if we hold on to them, they can positively impact our future. We can also benefit from remembering what God has done for others we know or for people in the Bible.

Failing to intentionally remember can cause us to forget God's power, faithfulness, and love when we need it most. This, in turn, can weaken our trust in God. If you experienced God's healing or provision in the past, but did not bring this to mind another time you or someone you love experienced sickness or lack, it could be harder for you to trust God as your Healer or Provider.

In Matthew 14:13-21 and Mark 6:31-44, Jesus feeds a multitude of hungry people using five loaves of bread and two fish. As if that were not miraculous enough, there were 12 baskets of leftover food! In Matthew 15:32-39 and Mark 8:1-9, Jesus noticed the crowds following Him needed food. When he expressed this to His disciples, they did not consider that because Jesus had done it before, He could feed the multitude again.

And the disciples said to him, “Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?” Matthew 15:33

The problem (lack of food) and the circumstances (desolate place) had more effect on them than their experience with Jesus. Not one let the memory of Jesus being the solution to a similar issue impact their present faith.

Jesus was repeatedly met with such unbelief, so it is no wonder He marvelled when He saw the faith of the Centurion. When the Centurion's servant was very ill, he remembered what he had heard about Jesus, and it sparked faith that Jesus would be able to heal his servant by His words, from a distance (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10). So you see, there is power in remembering what God has done for others, even if it is not part of our own experience.

>>> Reflect: How has God shown you that He is God and there is no other besides Him?

Write the Scriptures

Take time each day to write one of these verses on the power of remembrance. Expect God’s Word to renew your mind as you write slowly and prayerfully.

To you it was shown, that you might know that the Lord is God; there is no other besides him. (Deuteronomy 4:35

The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. (Exodus 15:2)

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. (Psalm 77:11-12)

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. (Psalm 103:2)

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:21-23)

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (Revelation 12:22)

Blessing in Action: Remember, Know, Obey — The Power of Remembrance

➡️ Start a list of God’s past faithfulness in your journal. Revisit it daily this week.

➡️ Share one story of God’s faithfulness with a friend, family member, or someone who needs encouragement. Give them something to remember.