The unusual Hebrew word “tzitzit” describes the tassels on the Jewish prayer shawl. They were God’s remedy for a forgetful people, intended as a tactile reminder of God’s law or Torah. In Joshua 4:9, Joshua assembled a pile of twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan River where the priests stood as they carried the ark of the covenant across the temporarily dry riverbed. Referred to as the twelve stones of remembrance, they memorialize God’s divine provision as he brought Israel into the Promised Land. This memorial would be discussed among future generations, as a way of rehearsing and passing along faith stories. These are just two examples of God’s recommendations to remember Him and His deeds – built into the culture. They become woven into our spiritual heritage tapestry.
Why do we forget God’s working so easily? The Bible points to four reasons. We tend to forget in times of EASE AND PROSPERITY (Jeremiah 22:21), because of PRIDE (Deut. 8:14), when we SIN (Deut. 8:11), and when we NEGLECT HIS WORD (Romans 12:1 & 2).
What are the answers? How can we remember? If we don’t fall into a religious trap of mindless repetition, we see reminders built into our faith. Jesus said to take the elements of communion in remembrance of Him. The Lord’s prayer brings us together in remembrance. Fathers and mothers in the faith remind us of their faith stories. Our preachers and teachers renew our minds to His word, a supernatural memory jolt from the Holy Spirit. Rehearsing our spiritual history and stewarding prophetic insights we’ve received are memory catalysts.
In this day of distraction, it is easy to forget our number one priority – our relationship with God. We are engraved on the palms of his hands (Isaiah 49:14.) He never forgets.
By: Nan Robertson
~ Christ Fellowship