Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,
forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those
things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13, 14)
In Ancient Rome it was believed that Janus, their god of begin- nings, had
the ability to see in two directions simultaneously - he looked at the past
and he looked ahead to the future. His name was given to the first month of
the year.
As one year departs forever and a new, unknown year is here, the thoughtful
person remembers and meditates on days past and ponders
the future.
It seems there are two opposite suggestions in Scripture. Paul reminds us to
forget those things that are behind and to reach out to those things that
are before us (see Philippians 3:13). However, God commanded Moses to
remember all the ways in which He had led him and the children of Israel
(see Exodus 13:1-3; Deuteronomy 5:15).
Is not God saying to remember the good and forget the bad, except as it can
be a deterrent for future mistakes? We can be so immersed in guilt over our
failures as to forget that God can still forgive and use us. Confess and
forget that bad stretch and "press toward the mark for the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). Athletes work through
slumps and come out stronger.
In remembering God's marvelous guidance, our
faith is fortified to face a nebulous unknown. If He
could bring us through last year, can we not trust
Him for this year? "Hitherto hath the Lord helped
us" (1 Samuel 7:12).
-J. Vernon McGee (January 1985)
.
|
