“Remember what I told you,” I said to my little girl with golden hair, long and silky. She tilted her chin upward, her blue eyes fringed in black lashes locked into mine, digging deep, she nodded.
“Obey the teacher, and be a friend to everyone.”
Determination replaced the fear. She walked into the new classroom. Like a stick of dynamite.
“When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said…” Jn. 2:22 ESV
Little seemingly insignificant conversations often become meaningful in the long range. Sometimes a passage of Scripture read a hundred times takes on special meaning in a different context of life. A verse, sermon, or just something someone said suddenly speaks into our memory in a situation when we need it most. This was the disciples’ experience after Jesus’ death. “His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him.” John 12:16 ESV
“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you…” Lk. 24:5-6
Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James recalled what Jesus said at the empty tomb. “And they remembered his words.” Lk. 24:8 ESV
God says exactly as much as we need through His Word. He brings it to our minds at the right time, and through it demonstrates His heart of love and compassion.
prayed every prayer, begged every plea (Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash)
At the bedside of my daughter, when I’d prayed every prayer, begged every plea until there were none left, God in His lovingkindness brought to mind time and again just enough. Something from childhood, verses I’d memorized as a child, godly wisdom from the body of Christ, and a worship exercise from twenty years ago.
New context brings new life and opens eyes to an understanding impossible before.
This was what happened to Jesus’ followers after He purchased our redemption. He said, “It is finished,” so much began.
Luke 24 swirls with unanswered questions. Deep grief, disappointment, and fear backdropped a future looming with uncertainty and danger. The Messiah’s violent death left his followers raw and afraid.
“And he said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:25-27 ESV
A compassionate Father met them in their weakness and they remembered. Like an earthly father planting seeds of life into the hearts of his children, Jesus’ words sprouted. They made sense. The disciples eyes were opened and they remembered what He had said.
We remind our children and grandchildren, “remember what I told you?” To spur them to obedience, protect their safety, or chide their actions.
“Let these words sink into your ears…” we want to say. Luke 9:44 ESV
You might not understand it now, but you will someday.
Layers of His Word, even though it may be read without complete understanding becomes a deep well of wisdom and strength in times of need.
In the dark halls of a hospital at night, at the side of a loved one transitioning to heaven, at news you never wanted to hear and in just plain old daily routine, God uses His teaching to bring comfort and instruction.
Sylvia with her Dad, Jacob Goering & the Kansas wheat fields
Harvest time was a big deal on the farm where I grew up. It was the culmination of hard work and trust in God. If the soil was planted well, if the seeds were well cared for, if God allowed the right weather conditions, the wheat gave birth to more wheat.
God’s Word is seed planted in our hearts. We cannot understand all we read. We fail to apply all of it. Some of it seems confusing. But we read it because God speaks through it and He will bring to mind His Words at the right moment. We pour it into our generations because He will bring His Word to mind even after we are gone. Like a stick of dynamite.
“And they remembered his words.”
God germinates seeds. They sprout when we need them——unless of course they never were planted.
*feature Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash
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Nancy E. Head
God speaks to us in our difficulties. I love how He brought comfort to you in a difficult time.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Nancy!
Jeannie Waters
Sylvia, your post is so encouraging. The truth you shared makes me want to do even more Bible study. You also offered assurance for the biblical words we share, also. Thank you!
Dawn Bata
What a beautiful post and reminder to treasure scriptures and they will come to mind when we need them most.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Dawn. The more I put in, the more those words will be waiting for the right time.
Rev. Andrew brucato
ha says what he means and means what he says. A promise-making and promise-keeping God. thanks, Silvia for the reminder
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Andy. That is true and such an encouragement!
Kathy
Sylvia, you said so well what I’ve often found to be true, that God helps us remember just what we need or gives us new insights, just when we need them. Thank you for your encouraging post.
Katherine Pasour
Your message reminds me of things my mother tried to teach me as a child and I resisted. Now, as I grow more like my mother (thankfully), I share some of those same lessons to my children and grandchildren. Those lessons we garner from nature seem the most meaningful. Your last statement reminds us of our vital role–plant the seeds! Thank you for this inspiring message.
J.D. Wininger
So much to love about this post Ms. Sylvia. From the wheat fields, growth, and the harvest, to the harvest of our hearts when God’s word that has long been written upon them spring forward with life-giving wisdom, guidance, and encouragement for others in their time of need. Loved this post ma’am; thank you. See that old red tractor and the sickle blade cutter sure brought back some great memories. Remember how sweet that wheat straw smelled right after it was cut?
Leigh DeLozier
“And they remembered His words.” How powerful — I’ve never thought about how often the Gospels say that. Thank you for bringing it into focus.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Leigh. So many things in life make sense later don’t they? How lovely when it is God’s voice bringing truth to our minds. Thank you for reading and I appreciate your response!
Emily Huffman
Love this!
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Emily!