Scriptures Where God Says To Remind Him Of His Word

In times of trouble and despair, it can be comforting to know that we serve a God who invites us to remind Him of the promises in His word. Though an all-knowing God does not forget, He welcomes His people to recall His word back to Him as an act of faith and petition.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Key scriptures where God tells His people to remind Him of His word include Isaiah 43:26, Jeremiah 14:21, Ezekiel 20:9, and Zechariah 10:6 in the Old Testament, along with John 14:26, John 15:20, and John 16:4 in the New Testament.

In this comprehensive article, we will explore the biblical context of several passages where God directly tells His people to remind Him of His word and promises. We will look at the historical background, exegetical analysis, and modern applications of these incredible scriptures that reveal the covenantal relationship between God and His children.

Isaiah 43:26 – Reminding God of His Promise of Redemption

Context of Isaiah 43

Isaiah 43 comes in the later part of the Book of Isaiah, after the prophet has declared judgment on Judah and the surrounding nations. By chapter 43, Isaiah begins to comfort Judah with promises of salvation and redemption.

Isaiah reminds them of God’s past faithfulness in redeeming them from Egypt, saying he will once again redeem them by grace (Isaiah 43:1-3).

Exegesis of Isaiah 43:26

In verse 26, God calls on Israel: “Put me in remembrance; let us argue together: set forth your case, that you may be proved right. “ This is an invitation by God for Judah to remind Him of what He has promised – specifically, the future redemption of Israel.

God is not lacking in memory or needing reminder. Rather, He wants Judah to claim His promises in persistent, faithful prayer as they set forth their “case” before Him.

Application for Believers Today

For Christians today, Isaiah 43:26 is a template for crying out to God to fulfill His promises of final redemption, restoration and the return of Christ (Titus 2:13). We “put God in remembrance” through praying His very Word back to Him, claiming His promises.

We can boldly yet reverently ask God to do what He has said, trusting His faithfulness. This gives us confidence in prayer, as we stand on the sure promises of God.

Websites like GotQuestions.org provide further insight on praying God’s Word. Let us argue our case before God, declaring “do what You said You would do!” As we claim His promises in persistent faith, we will see His faithfulness revealed.

Jeremiah 14:21 – Appealing to God’s Covenant Faithfulness

Jeremiah’s Setting and Purpose

The prophet Jeremiah lived during a turbulent time in Judah’s history. The Babylonians were rising in power and threatening Judah’s sovereignty. Jeremiah delivered many dire prophecies of judgment, warning Judah that God would use Babylon to punish them for their idolatry and injustice.

Yet amidst the doom and gloom, Jeremiah issued clarion calls for Judah to repent and return to faithful covenant relationship with Yahweh.

In chapter 14, Jeremiah highlights a devastating drought and famine afflicting the land. The people cry out in desperation, while prophets and priests continue ministering as if nothing is wrong spiritually.

Jeremiah laments Judah’s stubborn unfaithfulness, pleading for God’s mercy based on His covenant loyalty rather than the people’s merit (v21).

Analysis of Jeremiah 14:21

In his moving prayer, Jeremiah appeals to God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises. He asks – rightly – if God would spurn Judah, rejecting His people and causing His glorious throne to be scorned by pagans.

Jeremiah bases his plea not upon Judah’s righteousness but solely upon God’s steadfast loyalty and care for His reputation among nations who do not know Him.

Some key phrases in this verse include:

• For your name’s sake – Jeremiah appeals to God’s concern for His own glory and praise among all peoples.
• Do not disgrace the throne of your glory – Pagans seeing Judah exiled would assume Yahweh was weak and Judah’s God.
• Remember and do not break your covenant with us – God had promised Abraham to make his offspring a great nation and bless all peoples through them. Destroying His covenant people would seem to undermine God’s own faithfulness.

Jeremiah’s prayer exemplifies clinging to the promises of God when circumstances seem contrary. He humbly relies on God’s covenant loyalty rather than any imagined goodness in Judah itself. This aligns with the reason the Lord chose Israel to bless – simply because He loved them and would be faithful to His oath.

Lessons for Followers of Christ

As Christians, we can learn much from Jeremiah’s posture before God:

1. Honestly acknowledge sin and need for mercy
2. Cling to God’s promises rather than our own performance
3. Appeal to God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness in Christ
4. Pray for God to act so that His glory fills the earth

Though we may face great trials individually and corporately, we have not been promised lives free of tribulation (John 16:33). Yet we cling confidently to God’s proven faithfulness in Jesus – no matter what comes, He who began a good work in us will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6).

Therefore we ask God to act for the honor and fame of Jesus’ name, advancing His Kingdom across all nations as He transforms us into Christ’s image.

Ezekiel 20:9 – Recall God’s Mercy Despite Rebellion

The book of Ezekiel contains prophecies given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BC. Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles who were taken from Jerusalem to Babylon. In chapter 20, Ezekiel recounts Israel’s long history of rebellion against God.

However, verse 9 provides an incredible glimpse of God’s persistent mercy and grace.

Background of Ezekiel’s Ministry

Ezekiel began his prophetic ministry around 597 BC when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon first besieged Jerusalem and carried away captives. Ezekiel himself was among these early exiles settled near the Kebar River in Babylon (Ezekiel 1:1-3).

Over the next two decades, Ezekiel continued warning the exiles about Jerusalem’s coming destruction due to Israel’s idolatry and injustice. Tragically, Ezekiel’s prophecies were fulfilled when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC.

Exposition of Ezekiel 20:9

In Ezekiel 20, God reviews Israel’s long history of rebelling against Him, beginning with the Exodus from Egypt. Although God graciously delivered His people from slavery, they repeatedly violated His laws and worshipped idols.

God declares in verse 9, “But for the sake of my name, I brought them out of Egypt. I did it to keep my name from being profaned in the eyes of the nations among whom they lived and in whose sight I had revealed myself to the Israelites.” This verse highlights two key truths:

1. Israel was perpetually rebellious – they repeatedly broke God’s laws and worshipped idols from the very beginning. Their deliverance from Egypt did not make them righteous.
2. God kept delivering Israel for the glory of His name – God’s motivation was His desire to uphold His reputation among all nations who had seen His mighty acts.

Despite Israel’s sin, God remained committed to fulfilling His promises so the other nations would know He is the one true God. God pardoned them and sustained them by His grace and mercy, not because they deserved it.

Relevance for Modern Readers

This passage remains deeply relevant today. Like Israel, believers often struggle with ongoing sin and rebellion in our lives. We may wonder if God will cast us aside because of our failures. However, Ezekiel 20:9 powerfully reassures us that God is patient and merciful.

He continues to forgive us and sustain us by His grace, not because of our goodness, but for the honor of His name. As the apostle Paul wrote, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). Ultimately, all glory goes to God alone.

Zechariah 10:6 – Reminding God of His Promise to Restore

Context of Zechariah’s Prophecies

The prophet Zechariah delivered his prophecies to the people of Israel after their return from exile in Babylon. In chapters 9-14, Zechariah shares powerful visions and messages of hope concerning God’s plan to restore Israel spiritually and politically.

His prophecies shift focus from the near future to the end times.

Meaning of Zechariah 10:6

In Zechariah 10:6, God declares through the prophet: “I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back because I have compassion on them, and they shall be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the Lord their God and I will answer them.”

This verse contains a beautiful promise that God will have compassion on His people Israel, restoring and strengthening them rather than rejecting them. It highlights how reminding God of His promises causes Him to act on them.

Though He never forgets, God invites His people to appeal to His word and character as they intercede for His will to be done.

Application of God’s Restoration

Just as God restored Israel, He wants to heal, strengthen and use everyone who comes to Him in faith according to His gracious promises. We can confidently pray for His kingdom purposes to advance in our lives, families, churches and nations.

As we remind God of scriptures like Zechariah 10:6, we can trust Him to compassionately answer and restore us to bless others. This brings glory to God’s name according to His steadfast covenant loyalty.

John 14:26 – Remembering the Holy Spirit’s Teaching

Farewell Discourse Setting

John 14:26 occurs within Jesus’ farewell discourse to His disciples before His crucifixion. As Jesus prepares His followers for His departure, He promises them “another Helper” – the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17).

This discourse takes place during Jesus’ last supper with His disciples (John 13:1-17:26). It provides enormously helpful teaching about the Spirit’s ministry once Jesus physically leaves His followers.

Exegesis of the Holy Spirit’s Ministry

In John 14:26, Jesus tells His disciples, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” Here Jesus explains two key functions of the Spirit after His own departure.

Firstly, the Holy Spirit will teach Jesus’ followers “all things” they need to know for life and godliness. As the disciples grow in faith, the Spirit illuminates God’s truth for them from Scripture (John 16:13-15). He opens their minds to understand and apply the gospel (Luke 24:45).

The Spirit teaches believers insight into Jesus’ identity and work.

Secondly, the Holy Spirit will remind believers of Jesus’ teaching. As the disciples ministered after Jesus’ ascension, the Spirit brought His words to mind according to their situations. The Spirit’s remembrance ministry helps believers recall all that Jesus taught – an amazing blessing of comprehensive retention!

Recalling the Spirit’s Guidance

Just as the Spirit reminds believers of Jesus’ words, He can actively bring His own guidance to remembrance. A 2021 survey found 87% of Christians rely on the Holy Spirit’s inner guidance (Barna). His voice comes as spontaneous thoughts, mental visions, godly desires, inner promptings, or Scriptural illumination (Piper).

When facing decisions, believers can ask the Spirit to bring His prior guidance to mind.

The Holy Spirit’s two remembrance functions – recalling Jesus’ words and His own guidance – offer incredible support. Believers can continually draw on the Spirit’s past teaching for present needs. His ministry of remembrance offers an unlimited reservoir of divine wisdom and direction!

John 15:20 – Recalling Jesus’ Promise of Persecution

Upper Room Discourse Background

Jesus delivered His famous Upper Room Discourse to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. He used the Last Supper to institute communion and preview His coming sacrifice on the cross. After warning Peter that he would deny Him three times, Jesus comforted all His followers by assuring them that even though He was leaving, He would send the Holy Spirit to empower and guide them (John 14:15-31).

Exposition of Promised Persecution

As part of this intimate farewell speech, Jesus foretold the persecution the disciples would face for being associated with Him: “Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:20).

Jesus did not sugarcoat the hostility His followers would encounter from the world. Just as He was rejected, so would they be mistreated for teaching the truth.

However, Jesus made this troubling prophecy to prepare and reassure the disciples. By knowing hardship lay ahead, they could steel themselves to endure it. Christ reminded them of His overcoming example – if He triumphed despite opposition, so could they by relying on Him.

Though persecution would come, Jesus urged them to stay united in fellowship with Him, drawing spiritual vitality from their relationship as branches connected to the true vine (John 15:1-8).

Clinging to Christ in Suffering

All believers can take comfort from Jesus’ frank warning that proclaiming the gospel will bring persecution. When we face scorn, criticism, or mistreatment for righteous reasons, we can remember His promise that trials will come.

Yet He arms us to not just cope but to override adversity through His matchless power and peace (Philippians 4:13; John 16:33).

Staying firmly rooted in Jesus enables His followers to withstand even vicious oppression, just as the early apostles rejoiced after being flogged for preaching Christ (Acts 5:40-42). By keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal victory He secured, we can joyfully spread His light anywhere despite dark resistance from some.

Though the world may revile and abuse us, Jesus urges us to persevere in faithfulness, keeping His commission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

John 16:4 – Reminding of Jesus’ Foreknowledge

Context of the Upper Room Discourse

In John 16:4, Jesus was speaking to his disciples during the Upper Room Discourse, the night before his crucifixion. He had just finished washing their feet and sharing the Passover meal with them (John 13). Jesus knew that soon he would be arrested, put on trial, and crucified.

So in this intimate setting with his closest followers, Jesus was preparing them for his coming departure.

The Upper Room Discourse contains some of Jesus’ most profound teaching. He covers wide-ranging topics like the Holy Spirit, the meaning of his death, peace in him, bearing fruit, and more. All through this teaching, there is an undercurrent of Jesus’ foreknowledge.

He knew everything that was about to happen, and he wanted to reassure his disciples of this.

Analysis of Jesus’ Foreknowledge

In John 16:4, Jesus says, “But these things I have told you, that when the time comes you may remember that I told you of them.” Here, he is referring back to the predictions he made earlier in John 13 and 14 about his betrayal, denial, and absence from the disciples.

This reveals several aspects of Jesus’ foreknowledge:

• He knew he would be betrayed and denied.
• He knew the specific timing of these events.
• He knew he would have to leave his disciples.
• He knew the disciples would grieve this separation.

Jesus was not taken by surprise. He understood everything that was about to transpire. By telling the disciples ahead of time, he was underscoring his sovereignty over the circumstances.

Finding Comfort in Christ’s Sovereignty

For the disciples, the news of Jesus’ coming death was incredibly troubling. However, his foreknowledge provided them hope. He made it clear that these things would happen so “that when the time comes you may remember that I told you of them.

“ This advanced warning was to strengthen their faith when those dark days came.

Similarly, we can find comfort knowing that Jesus is sovereign over all things. As Ephesians 1:11 says, “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.”

God is in complete control, even when we can’t understand all that is happening.

When we face trials and uncertainties, we can remind God of what He has said in His word. His truth is a lamp for our feet (Psalm 119:105). His promises give us confidence to keep walking in faith.

Conclusion

In summary, we have explored numerous scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments where God invites His people to remind Him of His word and promises. Though God never forgets, He wants us to exercise bold faith in His faithfulness by recalling and clinging to His word in seasons of difficulty and despair.

As we bring God’s past promises to Him in prayer and petition, we can find great comfort, assurance, and hope in His unchanging character and enduring covenant love. May we readily respond to God’s gracious invitation to remind Him of His eternal word which never fails.