Remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt.
Important recollection
The admonition may seem needless, but we are prone to forget God’s works and wonders. We have need to be stirred up to remembrance for four purposes.
1. For the purpose of humility. We think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. With the lowly is wisdom. If wise, we were once foolish; if justified, we were once condemned; if sons of God, we were once servants of sin. Look to the rock from whence hewn.
2. For the purpose of gratitude. If affected by kindness flora our fellow creatures, should we overlook our infinite Benefactor? We have no claims upon Him and should be thankful for all His benefits. But herein is love. Blessed be the God of Israel, for He hath visited and redeemed His people.
3. For the purpose of confidence. David argued from the past to the future. Because Thou hast been my help, therefore under the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice. Here we have peculiar reason for encouragement. What were we when He first took knowledge of us? Was the want of worthiness a bar to His goodness then? Will it be so now? Is there variableness or shadow of turning with Him? Is there not the same power in His arm and the same love in His heart? Did He pardon me when a rebel, and will He cast me off now that He has made me a friend? “He that spared not His own Son but delivered Him up for us all,” etc.
4. For the purpose of piety and zeal. How many round about you in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity ready to perish? You know the state they are in, and the blessedness of deliverance from it. You are witnesses of what God is able and willing to do. Invite the prisoners of hope to turn to Him--you can speak from experience. (W. Jay.)
Remembrance of the past
I. The exercise of mental activity.
II. The particular object of consideration.
1. Our original state.
2. Our redeemed condition.
III. The especial gain to be derived from this consideration.
1. It will make us humble.
2. It will render us grateful.
3. It should give us confidence and faith.
4. It should kindle our piety and zeal. (Homilist.)
The necessary remembrance
I. The Christian’s original state.
1. Degraded.
2. Oppressed.
3. Helpless.
II. The Christian’s happy deliverance. “Redeemed.” God redeemed Israel by His mighty arm. Our redemption, like theirs--
1. Originated in God’s free compassion. Without claim or merit. He saw our self-procured ruin, and exercised His infinite mercy towards us.
2. Was effected by the mission and work of His Son.
3. Is connected with faith and obedience to our great Deliverer.
III. The Christian’s obligation to remember his redemption. But can we forget? Why, the Israelites did. Our own hearts are prone to forget; the cares of the world choke the soul, and cause us to forget God. Satan, by his temptations, would seduce us from this remembrance.
1. We should remember it with intentness of soul and gratitude of heart. Such love and goodness should never be obliterated. A lively remembrance will keep the flame of gratitude burning on the altar of our hearts.
2. We should remember it with feelings of humility and contrition. If self-righteousness would spring up, if we would glory at all in ourselves, this remembrance will lead us back to our original state, and then all boasting will be slain.
3. We should remember that we may feel for those around who are still in the gall of bitterness and the bonds of iniquity. The love of Christ to us should fill us with love to our fellowmen.
4. We should especially remember, when in the means of grace, and at the table of the Lord. (J. Burns, D. D.)
The memorable deliverance
I. The deliverance obtained.
1. From the curse of the law.
2. From the bondage of sin.
3. From the tyranny of Satan.
4. From the evils of the world.
II. The deliverer described.
1. Redemption originally proceeds from the mercy and love of God.
2. Redemption is meritoriously procured by the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Redemption is personally realised by the power of the Holy Ghost.
III. The remembrance enjoined. This command is applicable to the people of God in every age, and extends to all the blessings we receive. As it regards our redemption, we must cherish--
1. A grateful remembrance. We should frequently call to mind the deplorable state from which we are redeemed, the inestimable privileges with which we are honoured, and the ineffable felicities to which we are entitled. Such pious reflections will always be profitable, and associated with deep humility, devoted admiration, unfeigned gratitude, and fervent praise (Psalms 103:1-4; Isaiah 12:1).
2. An affectionate remembrance. A consciousness of the unspeakable love of God to us should deeply interest and inspire our souls with a reciprocation of love to Him. Our love to God must be supreme, vigorous, manifest, and progressive. It must be the ruling principle of the heart, and the actuating motive of the life (Matthew 22:37-38; Rom 5:5; 1 John 5:3; 1 John 5:5).
3. An obedient remembrance. This is the specific argument of the text: “Thou shalt remember, therefore I command thee to do this thing.” Their obedience was demanded on the ground of Divine goodness.
4. A perpetual remembrance. Redeeming grace deeply involves our immortal interests, and therefore should never be forgotten. (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.)