There exists in man a terrible tendency to forget vital matters. Sixty-seven years ago today (Sunday, February 19), the first of 30,000 United States Marines invaded the Japanese island of Iwo Jima. Over the next 35 days 6,812 United States soldiers would die in the taking of this strategic island, giving the Allies their first "beachhead" in the Japanese homeland.

Of course, we don't think about what happened every day in history. But there are some matters that are too important to forget- eternal matters. Israel had a problem with forgetfulness, too. In Deuteronomy God pauses Israel's conquest to remind them of His character and His law. As you read the book you will see the repeated theme: "Remember...lest you forget."

This forgetfulness- making the precious commonplace- is a problem we understand well. The precious cross becomes background material as we allow give idolatry- in all its various forms- a beachhead in our lives. So heed God's call: Remember, lest you forget.

Pastor Wade Mobley