Jump Start # 376

Psalms 119:93 “I will never forget Thy precepts, for by them Thou hast revived me.”

  We continue our look at passages from the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalms 119. It is impressive to see the attitude of love and respect for God’s word that is found throughout these verses. Keep in mind, the Bible that the Psalmist had in mind was the Law of Moses. By that, I mean the Law—and the books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth. The rest of the Old Testament had not been written yet. For most of us, these books are not our strong suit. Numbers and Leviticus can be tedious to read. A lot of rules and regulations are found there. This was the Bible for this Psalmist. He loved it. It was from God. 

  He would say things such as:

• For I trust in Thy word (42)
• Teach me, O Lord, the way of Thy statues (33)
• Thy word is a lamp unto my feet (105)
• I love thy Law (163)
• How sweet are Thy words to my taste (103)

  Our passage today shows us the importance of teaching the Bible accurately and completely. I will never forget Thy precepts—some lessons have a way of just staying with us. I have met people who have given up on God a long time ago. Things happened, choices were made and they quit worshipping, stop praying, and closed the Bible in their lives. But something happens. Deep inside of them, they remember going to Bible classes, or a VBS or grandma reading Scriptures aloud. It stuck with them. What they remember is a verse, or a phrase and something about that has been an anchor and a rock to them. “I always remember that it says…” and that Biblical truth has been one unchanging hope that they have held on to.

  Those that teach God’s word need to remember how important it is to be serious and accurate with God’s word. Just as the above illustration may bring people back to the Lord, I run into those who claim the Bible says things it never says. There are those assumed passages such as, “Godliness is next to cleanliness” or, “God moves in mysterious ways.” There’s a bunch of those kind of statements. People are certain they’re from the Bible, but they are not. They’ve heard others say that and they didn’t check to see if it was so.

  Memory is a unique thing that God gives us. As a person ages, the memory tends to get fuzzy. It’s amazing the images, the people, the experiences that are stuffed in our memory boxes. Often we don’t even realize they are there, but something happens are our minds are taken back to something years ago. This can be pleasant or it can be horrific.

  Remembering God’s word will help you. Knowing what God expects of you, knowing what you ought to do will keep you out of trouble and will help you make the right choices in life. That memory will keep you on course. It will enable you to teach others, because you know what God says.

  I will never forget Thy precepts…it starts with learning the precepts. Then live the precepts. Does a married man forget that he is married? Or, that he has a family? No. He is surrounded with reminders all the time. He goes home to a wife and kids. His desk has photos which reminds him. All his actions surround the family—he has to pay the doctor bill. One of the kids has a birthday coming up. One of the kids needs his bike fixed. Reminders all the time that he is married and has kids. He never forgets because his life is surrounded with family. What he does with his money reflects that he is a family man. What he does in his free time reflects that he is a family man. He never is startled by the reality that he is a family man. He knows.

  Should it be any different in our relationship with God? Dare we ever forget that we are God’s children? Our actions, choices, and decisions reflect that every day. God’s word is a part of our life, every day. Every day we talk to God in prayer. Sunday worship is something that is looked forward to and enjoyed. It is the highlight of the week for a Christian. The Christian’s routine includes talking to brethren often. It includes doing things that will help the brethren. It includes looking for ways to tell others about Jesus. Can such a person ever forget that he is a Christian? Impossible. His life surrounds God and reflects God, including how he uses his money and the choices he makes on his free time.

  I never forget that I am a family man…and I never forget that I am a Christian. Those reminders set the course of my life. They compel me to be responsible, thoughtful and godly.

  I will never forget…There are things I do forget, like the details of stories. Sometime whether something happen on a Monday or a Tuesday, I get those mixed up. But never forget who I am and what I am to do.

  I will never forget…NEVER!

Roger