Knowing what God Remembers

Scripture: King Joash didn’t remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had extended to him, but killed his son. While he was dying, he said, "May the Lord see and demand an account." 2 Chronicles 24:22

Observation: When King Joash turns bad, only one man has the courage to stand and pronounce the truth to him ... the son of Jehoiada, who was Joash's priest and best advisor. For this truth, Zechariah is killed, and in his dying breath he pronounces a curse, asking the Lord to see this betrayal and to take vengeance for him.

Zechariah means "God remembers", and it is interesting that there are three famous Zechariah's in the bible. One wrote one of the books of the bible during the time of exile, and discusses how the people will return to their land. One is the father of John the Baptist. The other is murdered and soon after avenged in a way that begins the downturn of the southern kingdom of Judah. In every case, God remembers. He remembers his people in exile and the promise to restore them to the promised land after 70 years. He remembers his plan for Messiah and the fact that the Messiah will be ushered in through a new prophet declaring repentance in the wilderness. He remembers the courage of one man pronouncing truth so he can take revenge on the evil perpetrated by the king.

Application: I know very well that the Lord sees what happens, and I have firsthand experience in how he sees and provides even in the most difficult circumstances. However, he also remembers for later. This can be encouraging as when he restores people or fulfills a long-term promise, and it can be worrisome as when he take vengeance for a past sin.

Regarding the latter, I have sinned, but I have not done something like led an entire nation into idol worship. However, that sounds like I am weighing different sins as better or worse, and they are not. This is why forgiveness through Jesus is so crucial, for it is by that forgiveness that my sins are wiped clean and the Lord actually forgets them. Without that, I deserve nothing beyond painful death.

And this is the true good news. God remembers, but Jesus became a lens to define what God remembers. He remembers his promises, his purposes, and his love. He removes from memory our sins because of our faith in Jesus, allowing us to one day enjoy his love even more fully in heaven.

Prayer: Lord, I ask today for forgiveness of my sins, and for you to thus forget my transgressions. By my faith in Jesus I pray this. May you remember me and look upon me, and see and remember me only through the lens of Jesus my savior and Messiah. Amen.