“But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great fight of afflictions—partly, while you were made a gazing-stock, both by reproaches and afflictions and partly, while you became companions of them that were so used.”
Hebrews 10:32-33
From time-to-time it’s good to remember from whence we came so we can rejoice in the One Who was there with us the whole time—and is still with us even now.
“Do you remember?”
Occasionally, on radio programs, there’ll be a radio spot by that name where listeners are asked to recall a certain event in history and then to call in with the correct date in order to win a prize. While this effort in trivia pursuit is fun and informative, it does little to better equip us for the spiritual warfare that is raging around us.
That’s why it’s important for us to hear and heed today’s Manna—for it’s remembering our difficult days. . .fiery trials. . .times of suffering. . .and how the Lord brought us through them. . . that serve as “windows of light” in our times of darkness.
Can you remember where you were when Jesus first touched you? Can you remember what you were doing and whom the Lord used to help bring you to Him? Can you remember how you felt when you knew your sins were forgiven and you had a Home in Heaven?
Likewise, can you remember those days when “you endured (Grk. ‘hupomeno’—‘to stay underneath, remain steadfast, have fortitude, persevere, suffer patiently, etc.’) a great fight of afflictions (Grk. ‘thlipsis’—‘pressure, burden, anguish, persecution, a crowding in, etc.’)” when it’d been easy to throw in the towel. . .or wave the white flag of surrender. . .but you didn’t? And, can you remember the reason you didn’t was because of Christ’s Unseen Hand holding you up and giving you Grace Sufficient?
Or, do you remember those days when others “made you a gazing-stock (Grk. ‘theatrizo’—‘make a spectacle of, a public show, theater, etc.’) both by their reproaches (Grk. ‘oneidizo’—‘to defame, deride, rail on, chide, taunt, upbraid, etc.’) and afflictions”? And, do you remember how the Holy Spirit helped you to “rejoice in that day and leap for joy” (Lk. 6:23a) through His precious Presence, Promises and Power?
If so, consider yourself blessed.
And, rejoice in such “righteous remembrances”—for they are portals through which we come to “know Him and the Power of His Resurrection” (Phil. 3:10a).
Yes, memories are a blessing when they remind us of God’s Greatness and faithfulness in our lives (I Cor. 10:13). Truly, as someone said, “They are windows of light during our days of darkness.” And, they also help us to “comfort others with the comfort with which we’ve been comforted” (II Cor. 1:3-10) as we draw alongside someone who’s having a difficult side and quietly whisper, “Let me tell you about the time when. . .”
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated March 14, 2011
