Musing – Why do we Need to Forget the Past & Press On?

Hebraic Musing – Why do we Need to Forget the Past & Press On?

Paul recounts his accomplishments and credentials in Philippians 3:4-6 “If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:  circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.”  Wow! 

But then he puts all those credentials and accolades behind him and continues by saying – “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…” Philippians 3:13  NIV

Paul advises us to “Forget the Past”.  We have often heard that said before, typically when we’re told to get over grief and mistakes of our past.  But Paul tells us it is critical to also let go of the past accomplishments and successes because they too can hinder our growth.  It is common to be told to forget the problems and bad stuff in the past; how often are we smugly looking at “all the things we have done for Our Lord” and thus we are prideful and satisfied with ourselves and our progress and service to Him?  Does pride sneak into our self-assessment?

God does not want us to be reactionary to our past lives – good or bad stuff; God wants us to “get over it” and get on with His plan for our lives.  Paul concludes with his own response – “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:14

We should not be satisfied to live in the past, dwelling on the failures.  Coaching youth sports I have had to encourage youngsters with “Get up, dust off, get back in the game.”

Who in the OT gives us an example of the value of forgetting the past?  Answer -  Joseph.  Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, "It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." Gen 41:51-52    And we know how Joseph was grossly mistreated many times and from many fronts; yet he had to “forget all” those troubles as he “pressed on” in his service to God.

Ask yourself:  What have I done well to build His church? 
Challenge:       Now, can you put that behind you and press on by focusing on the future?

Points to ponder

BTW – Paul wrote “forget the past and press on” while he was in a Roman jail.
Are our situations anywhere near that dire?

How many times have you heard “Don’t rest on your laurels”?

We relish the “Good old days”
while God is asking “What have you done for me lately?”

If the best is yet to come…get busy.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord   Jer. 29:11

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          June 18, 2019

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”