by Naomi Chua
R-e-m-e-m-b-e-r. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, to remember is to have or keep an image or idea in your mind, to think of and not to forget something. This 8-letter word has been used very frequently by my parents and teachers, especially when I was a child. I often had many reminders from them such as – “Remember to bring this form. Remember to bring that textbook. Remember to arrive in school at xxx time” etc. Remembering is an important aspect of my growing up, so as to save myself from any lecturing from my parents or teachers. But now, “remembering” has a deeper and more weighty importance to me especially as I learn about the Hebrew meaning of “remembering”.
In Hebrew, to remember is to “Zakar”. The biblical remembering is a body activity not merely a head activity. It is an active, earnest, deliberate reflection on God and thinking carefully what He has said and done. Although remembering starts in the mind, it finds expression in our whole being – in words and deeds. This change in behavior allows us to experience the happiness that God desires for us!
In the Bible, when it records that God remembers a person, it often results in His blessing and protection upon that individual and their family. For example in Genesis 8:1 (NIV) “But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, … and the waters receded”. God’s remembrance brought salvation and new life for Noah, his family and all living creatures on board the ark. Another example, in Genesis 30: 22 (NIV) “Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive”. God’s remembrance took away the shame, guilt and disgrace that Rachel suffered for a long time as she didn’t meet the ‘cultural expectation’ of bearing a child for her husband.
However, God’s blessing, grace and mercy also come when he chooses not to remember, not to zakar, not to take action. In Romans 6: 23 (NASB) “For the wages of sin is death…” By default, any person who sins or does wrong has to pay the price – i.e. face eternal death. However in Hebrews 8, because of Jesus, we can have a new covenant with God. And because of Jesus, God “…will remember their sins no more” as seen in Hebrews 8:12 (NIV). How wonderful is that?!
I pray that as you begin this new year, you’ll soak in the truth of God’s power, grace, mercy and blessing when He chooses to remember (or not). With the power, grace, mercy and blessings He has given into us, let us REMEMBER GOD. Let our remembrance result in action. As we remember God and all that He has done in our lives, let us give thanks to Him always. Be the vessel of blessing to others just as God first blessed us and remembered us. Likewise, just as God made the deliberate decision to forgive us and not remember our sins, if there is anyone whom you need to release forgiveness to – do so with the grace and mercy God has first given unto you. Start the year well and happy in God as you ZAKAR!