Failing Memory

Deuteronomy 17:18-19

And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:

So then, when they ask for a king, it shall be that God will hear from Heaven and answer. How could it be they minded the Word of the Lord so little. Could it be you have not noticed how impossible it is to outrun the Lord. Look how good God is. How much he delights in giving good gifts unto his children. Notice that the personal relationship comes from the failing memory. So, it was a requirement for all kings when they should come into their kingdom. How God already knows the end from the beginning before some could ever ask, think, or imagine it. You might see nothing but your own shortcomings there in the text. Yet I see the hand of God throughout history's pages and with it the heart of the Father full on display towards his people. See, when the law was written, as of yet there was no king and the desire for one had not come.

Still, God knew that one would in his own way and after his timing. So then, it can be seen that all the people's striving and crying for one was as nothing. For had not God already made the promise of such unto them so long ago just as he had the promise of a Savior. Even when his promise is delayed and his purpose shorted, his time is never thwarted. The king is coming into his kingdom. We just cannot see it yet for so it can only be seen some other eyes, even those of faith. See, the king will one day sit down upon it whether in the place of king David or on the throne of his own way up there in Heaven. Whether at the time of the man of his own choosing or at his own, yet will the king sit. We know that his kingdom will be a righteous one stretching on from now until forever. See, when it is God's place you can expect no less. Now the text shows the law as written lest it be forgotten. Not only that, but look at the picture here with me if you will.

The king has come into his kingdom. So, the very first thing he goes up to the house of God to thank him for all that he has done. For doubtless would the earthly king not have been there without him. Then he asks to see the book of the law of the Lord which is kept before the Levites. Notice the Levites place as both the keepers of the book and the dispensers thereof. Yet their distinct lack of standing between God and man is seen. There are some times that God requires one such as a prophet or a preacher to tell man his way. Then at others he expects man to get out of his way. It takes his wisdom to tell the difference. It seems some of us are in the habit of speaking when we really ought to be silent.

Here the king is afforded both time and space to copy all from the book that he finds relevant into one of his own. Only then will he be able to fully appreciate all that God has done. I can hear some of you now muttering about 'how has God done that.' See him still as the personal God he is unto his people. So intimately does he know them from the king on down. For that book of the king from out of the house of the Lord was meant to serve for all of his days as his personal reminder to walk in those ways. For then would he truly learn the fear of the Lord. So also, the covenant relationship should be seen. How faithfully the Lord keeps statue and mercy unto all generations. Not a word from his book perishes lest all be fulfilled. Here and here only does he learn to fear the God who keeps his promises and expects his children to follow after them until all be fulfilled. So these things should come as a surprise to none. For is he not a covenant keeping God.

It seems the I Am remains the same indeed. Some of us might do well to receive it. Let God come into his kingdom for then will he keep the throne, the house, and all that is within. No, God has not forgotten his people. But I can see that some of us might. How much more then shall we not remember his ways for all of our days. Though the people's memory at times be faulty, yet his is not. In all places, God remembers his people. Whether near, far, or anywhere else his compassion, just like his memory fails not. Some of us would do well to just trust him of Mark 23:42. Then may we have grace to say as with the thief upon the cross, "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." For when you enter into yours, no matter how small or insignificant a seat you may think it is, forget not to offer it back to the one who has sent.