SOMETIME EVEN GOD FORGETS
Forgetting is becoming a more frequent companion of mine in this ‘new season’. As I tell people: I now believe more and more in the hereafter - I go into the room and say - "What am I here after” ? Forgetting is not usually a good thing. For example, it is not good to forget our anniversary; to pay bills; Marybeth’s birthday; to put gas in the car; or one - that I don’t have any trouble not forgetting - eating!
Yet all of us have some things that are best forgotten. The apostle Paul told us that he would forget certain things. He says in his letter to the Philippians… "forgetting those things which are behind."
Now what do you think those things were? I believe he would have liked to forget that he held the clothes for those who stoned Stephen, or his zealous rage against those who were followers of Christ, or even when he felt so self-righteous.
When I remember my past, there are things I would rather not bring up. Dumb - even stupid things - in which I got involved. Remarks made about others. Tasteless or imperfect behaviors, Impulsive choices, and self - centered, decisions. The checks of the Holy Spirit were there, but I proceeded on my own self-destructive path anyway.
On the sleepless nights my memory goes into review mode and I arise in the morning feeling like I had been beaten up. It is at times like this that I want to echo Paul's expression, "forgetting those things which are behind!" The good news is: We can!
Yet all of us have some things that are best forgotten. The apostle Paul told us that he would forget certain things. He says in his letter to the Philippians… "forgetting those things which are behind."
Now what do you think those things were? I believe he would have liked to forget that he held the clothes for those who stoned Stephen, or his zealous rage against those who were followers of Christ, or even when he felt so self-righteous.
When I remember my past, there are things I would rather not bring up. Dumb - even stupid things - in which I got involved. Remarks made about others. Tasteless or imperfect behaviors, Impulsive choices, and self - centered, decisions. The checks of the Holy Spirit were there, but I proceeded on my own self-destructive path anyway.
On the sleepless nights my memory goes into review mode and I arise in the morning feeling like I had been beaten up. It is at times like this that I want to echo Paul's expression, "forgetting those things which are behind!" The good news is: We can!
Look at this marvelous fact - God said He would forget.
"This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'know the Lord, ‘ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:10
May our troubled minds be put to rest by this thought. If Sovereign God chooses to forget our sins when we repent and turn from wicked ways and plead the blood of Christ, then why should we keep on asking forgiveness for the things that He has forgotten?
Surely it is time for singing and rejoicing and declaring with Paul: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:13, 14
How wonderful that God forgets! Now the challenge for you and me, is that we will forget. We, along with Paul must say… “I will forget those things which are behind”.
Surely it is time for singing and rejoicing and declaring with Paul: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:13, 14
How wonderful that God forgets! Now the challenge for you and me, is that we will forget. We, along with Paul must say… “I will forget those things which are behind”.
Look again at this marvelous fact: Not only did God say He would forget….
HE DOES !!!
HE DOES !!!
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