I Peter 4:1-6 “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.”

Revelation 3:3 “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.”

In an effort to equip the saints to live, Peter calls upon those to whom he was writing to remember the past, the present, and the prospects. When speaking unto the church in Sardis, our Lord encourages them to “Remember.” The word means to exercise the memory, recollect by rehearsing or to be mindful. While remembering may prove to be painful, in many cases it can be most profitable. In three specific cases when dealing with His disciples, Jesus encourages them to “remember.” Remembering can be most profitable with respect to provision; “remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up” (Matthew 16:9). In spite of the fact that the disciples misunderstood the emphasis Jesus was making with respect to their fear of not have taken bread; Jesus encourages them to allow their memory to calm their fears and encourage faith. If I can provide sufficient provision for over five thousand men and those that were with them with a lad’s lunch, am I not sufficient to meet your every need? If they would stop reasoning and start remembering, faith would replace their fear!

Remembering can be profitable with respect to persecution, “Remember the word that I said unto you” (John 15:20). In just a brief period of time, Jesus would ascend back to the Father; when that occurred; all the hatred and malic that had been directed at Him would then be directed at them! They would not only be cast out of the synagogues, but “whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service” (John 16:2). Persecution was the result of their likeness to the Saviour; not their sin. They were already in possession of what they needed to weather the storm; all that was necessary was for them to exercise their memory.

Remembering can be profitable with respect to perseverance, “Remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:32). Jesus compares the day of His return to those of Lot; “they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded” (vs.32). It is possible to get so caught up in the daily affairs of life that we lose sight of our hope that we have in Christ and the anticipation of His soon return. Paul said when writing to Titus; “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13).

There are times that one receives more strength and encouragement from pausing to remember than pursuing a revelation. For the assurance of provision, the consolation in persecution, and endurance in perseverance; remember His works, His words, and His will! It may be time to remember!