We will remember

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

Anzac Day 2015.

Across our land today people gathered together to the sound of the last bugle, to the roar of wartime planes flying overhead and canons firing in salute, to the minute’s silence. We gathered to remember all those who fought in wars on our Nation’s behalf. To remember especially the fallen – those that did not come home. 100 years may have passed since the day Australian and New Zealand troops arrived on Gallipoli’s shores, but time has not dimmed our commitment to remembering and honouring the soldiers.

We remember in the hope that such tragedy will never be repeated. We remember to honour the sacrifice as thousands laid down their lives for the freedom and life we walk in today. We remember the brave, the courageous. We remember because it is our history. It is our Grandfathers and Great Grandfathers that crossed the thousands of miles of sea to fight on foreign soil.

Remembering is important. To remember where we have come from and what has shaped us – personally and as nations. In the same way, God taught the Israelitise to remember the victories, the breakthroughs that God brought them. Remembering what God had done would strengthen them for future battles. It would encourage their faith and remind them again of God’s nature and ways. It is the same for us – as we read in the Bible the stories of God’s provision, protection and breakthroughs, as we hear the testimonies of others today we can be encouraged that God will do the same again. Testimonies of God connect generations, they connect us to His promises.

“The testimonies of God are the tools that equip us to walk in our purpose to demonstrate what He is like through the miraculous. First, they reveal the nature of God an how H does things – His ways. Secondly, this awareness of who God is creates an expectation in our hearts for God’s ways to be manifest in our lives.” (Bill Johnson)

“I have inherited Your testimonies forever, for they are the joy of my heart.” (Psalm 119:111)

Lest we forget.