The Necessary Remembrance
J. Burns, D. D. Deuteronomy 24:18 But you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you there… I. THE CHRISTIAN'S ORIGINAL STATE. 1. Degraded. 2. Oppressed. 3. Helpless. II. THE CHRISTIAN'S HAPPY DELIVERANCE. "Redeemed." God redeemed Israel by His mighty arm. Our redemption, like theirs — 1. Originated in God's free compassion. Without claim or merit. He saw our self-procured ruin, and exercised His infinite mercy towards us. 2. Was effected by the mission and work of His Son. 3. Is connected with faith and obedience to our great Deliverer. III. THE CHRISTIAN'S OBLIGATION TO REMEMBER HIS REDEMPTION. But can we forget? Why, the Israelites did. Our own hearts are prone to forget; the cares of the world choke the soul, and cause us to forget God. Satan, by his temptations, would seduce us from this remembrance. 1. We should remember it with intentness of soul and gratitude of heart. Such love and goodness should never be obliterated. A lively remembrance will keep the flame of gratitude burning on the altar of our hearts. 2. We should remember it with feelings of humility and contrition. If self-righteousness would spring up, if we would glory at all in ourselves, this remembrance will lead us back to our original state, and then all boasting will be slain. 3. We should remember that we may feel for those around who are still in the gall of bitterness and the bonds of iniquity. The love of Christ to us should fill us with love to our fellow. men. 4. We should especially remember, when in the means of grace, and at the table of the Lord. (J. Burns, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing. WEB: but you shall remember that you were a bondservant in Egypt, and Yahweh your God redeemed you there: therefore I command you to do this thing.