People want to be remembered. We build monuments and make plaques to remember people. And we name streets and boats after people.

We take photos and make videos to help us remember loved ones. It is so easy to forget. A friend from overseas sent us a photo recently that they had of our family when our sons were 10 and 12. It reminded me of some pleasant experiences we had at that time that we are very thankful for. We were able to remember this experience because of the photos. And Facebook uses photos to remind us of anniversaries.

In the Bible we read about certain characters who were in need and called out for help. They wanted to be remembered by others or by God.

Joseph: “But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison” (Gen. 40:14).

Samson: Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes” (Jud. 16:28).

Hannah: And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head” (1 Sam. 1:11)

Nehemiah: “Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done for these people [He helped the poor]” (Neh. 5:19). And, “Then I commanded the Levites to purify themselves and go and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this also, my God, and show mercy to me according to your great love” (Neh. 13:22).

David: “Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good” (Ps. 25:7).

A Criminal: Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.^” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:42-43),

All these bible characters cried out for help.

And the Lord Jesus asks us to remember Him. He told His disciples to participate in the Lord’s Supper “in remembrance of me” (1 Cor. 11:24-25).

But when the Lord says “remember me” He’s not crying out for help. He’s crying out for worship. He’s crying out for praise. He’s crying out for a heart that will follow Him and praise Him in response to what He has done for us.

We have someone who created us, who loves us, who cares for us, who will never forget us. God described Jerusalem in metaphorical language, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isa. 49:15-16).

In particular, we are to remember:

• That the Lord Jesus came to save people from their sins.
• That He came to heal the sick, make the lame to walk, heal the blind, raise the dead, and set the captives free.
• That He gave His life so that we might have eternal life. Let’s remember that the purpose of His suffering, His death and His resurrection was to bring us life, eternal life, abundant life, that we might worship Him.

Then finally God says to us, “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me” (Isa. 46:9).

Paul Mylonas