The Power of Memories

 

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. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. (Psalm 77:11-15 ESV).

 

It shouldn’t be a surprise for me to include a picture of the Little Pigeon River in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee today. This one was taken from the bridge at the Old Mill during the fall of the year. It really doesn’t do justice to the beauty of the Smokies during the fall of the year. There are so many wonderful memories for Mary and I in this place. These memories provide incredible comfort and encouragement for us.

 

This is the context of our reading today. It is set during a dark time for Israel. The psalmist is determined to remember the brighter days of the past. I have often taught people to use memories to keep their hope vibrant and strong. For the psalmist the brightest memory recalls Israel’s escape from slavery in Egypt hundreds of years earlier, and especially how God cleared a path for them through the waters of the Red Sea (cf. Psalm 77:16-18).

 

But there’s something else to that memory. The psalm says, in effect, “God, in those days we saw what you were doing for us. But we didn’t see you directly. The damp seabed didn’t show your footprints. We could only see Moses and Aaron leading the way like good shepherds” (cf. vv. 19-20).

 

Well, many years later, in the person of Jesus, God took on human flesh. Jesus, the Son of God, was visible—feet, hands, and all. He left footprints. When we look at Jesus, we can see God. We see God going before us, leading the way. The path that Jesus follows leads to the darkness of death. But he doesn’t turn aside. He is our good shepherd. He lays down his life for us. And we can see his feet, and his hands, nailed to the cross. When we see that, we know he loves us, even on the darkest days. That is true power!