I like to watch re-runs. Most of my TV viewing is watching episodes of older shows and movies. My two favorites are The Andy Griffith Show and Star Trek (the original series). I also enjoy watching old John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies over and over again. I know the characters, the plot, and the dialogue. Even though many of these TV shows and movies were produced decades ago, they never get old.
A few years ago, our son and daughter-in-law were visiting and we were trying to decide what to watch on TV. I suggested that we watch a few episodes of The Andy Griffith Show. My daughter-in-law replied, “What’s that?” I turned towards her and responded, “You’re kidding?” She insisted that she had never heard of Mayberry, Andy, Barney, Opie, and Aunt Bea.
Paul wrote to the Roman church,
I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them. Even so, I have been bold enough to write about some of these points, knowing that all you need is this reminder (Romans 15:14-15 NLT).
As a pastor I endeavor to study the Scriptures so that my preaching and teaching will remain fresh. No one likes to eat stale bread, and no one likes to hear a stale sermon. But, I have discovered that God’s people need to hear anointed and relevant sermons again and again. Even though they know the message, they need to be reminded of the basic teachings of the Faith.
There are certain passages of Scripture that have become central to the teaching of the Faith – The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20); Psalm 23; The Beatitudes (Matthew 5); and the Lord’s Prayer. These are so central to our spiritual life that we often take them for granted. But we should never assume that everyone knows, or remembers, these classic passages of Scripture. Some people don’t know, and others need to be reminded.
God’s people are to be a remembering people. Our worship serves to remind us of God’s presence, of God’s works, and God’s promises. We gather each Sunday to be reminded of God’s Word. We celebrate Holy Communion to remember what Christ has done and to be reminded that He is coming again. Each year we celebrate Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost in remembrance of God’s mighty saving acts.
A few weeks ago, I was visiting with my youngest son’s family. We were enjoying Thanksgiving and watching our grandson, Levi, try to destroy to the Christmas tree. On TV, an advertisement reminded us that A Charlie Brown Christmas would be showing soon. My daughter-in-law said, “You know, I’ve never seen that.” My son replied, “Oh, you will. I want Levi to watch that every year.”
We hold to our Faith traditions, and family traditions, because they form us. They remind us who we are. So, watching old shows, singing classic songs, and yes, re-preaching inspired sermons serve to constantly remind us, so we will not forget.
Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons. Remember . . . (Deuteronomy 4:8-9).
