The concept of remembering and teaching is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of recalling God's works, commandments, and promises, and passing this knowledge to future generations. This call is deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people, serving as a means to preserve faith and obedience.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the call to remember and teach is prominently featured in the Mosaic Law. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage underscores the responsibility of parents to instill God's commandments in their children, ensuring that His laws are perpetuated through generations.

The Israelites were also commanded to remember God's mighty acts, such as the deliverance from Egypt. In Exodus 13:3 , Moses instructs, "Remember this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. For the LORD brought you out of it by the strength of His hand." This act of remembrance was not merely for historical recollection but served as a foundation for faith and trust in God's continued provision and protection.

Memorials and Festivals

God instituted various memorials and festivals to aid in the act of remembrance. The Passover, as described in Exodus 12, is a prime example, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance. Similarly, the stones set up by Joshua in Joshua 4:6-7 were to be "a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, 'What do these stones mean to you?' you are to tell them, 'The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.' These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."

Wisdom Literature and Prophets

The wisdom literature and prophetic writings also emphasize the importance of remembering and teaching. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This highlights the long-term impact of early instruction in God's ways.

The prophets often called the people to remember God's past deeds as a basis for repentance and renewed faithfulness. Isaiah 46:9 declares, "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me."

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, the call to remember and teach continues with a focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 commands, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This directive extends the call to teach beyond the Jewish community to all nations, emphasizing the global mission of the Church.

The apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently reminds believers of the gospel message and the importance of holding fast to the teachings they received. In 1 Corinthians 11:2 , he commends the Corinthians for remembering the traditions he delivered to them, highlighting the role of apostolic teaching in the life of the early Church.

The Role of the Church

The Church, as the body of Christ, plays a crucial role in the call to remember and teach. Through preaching, teaching, and the sacraments, the Church preserves and transmits the faith. The Lord's Supper, as instituted by Christ, serves as a continual remembrance of His sacrifice, as stated in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 , "Do this in remembrance of Me."

Conclusion

The call to remember and teach is a divine mandate that spans both Testaments, emphasizing the continuity of God's revelation and the responsibility of His people to preserve and proclaim His truth. Through remembrance and teaching, the faith is not only maintained but also strengthened and expanded, ensuring that the knowledge of God endures through all generations.