Remember me, O Lord, with the favor You have toward Your people. Oh, visit me with Your salvation, that I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may glory with Your inheritance. (Psalm 106:4-5)

As it relates to the end of days, among the hopeful aspirations of the Jewish people, there are three specific things that transcend all others — the advent of the Messiah, the resurrection of the dead and the reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. These events, which are expected to occur almost simultaneously, are what the psalmist’s hints at in the words of these verses. To be remembered with favor and be able to “rejoice in the gladness of Your nation,” are the words of one who longs to see the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. It is the expression of those who wish to be present when all things are brought to pass according to the hope given them by the Word of the Lord.

The day referred to — the Day of Redemption — will be like no other. It will be vindication for those who sought to uphold righteousness and, at the same time, a day of recompense for those who oppressed and persecuted the innocent of God. King Messiah will put down all of His enemies and sit in judgment over the nations. As it is written, “With righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth” (Isaiah 11:4); “One will sit on it in truth, in the tabernacle of David, judging and seeking justice and hastening righteousness” (Isaiah 16:5). On that day, the righteous who have been asleep will be awakened to realize the rewards of their faithfulness. In that vein of thought the psalmist, desiring to be part of that grand day says, “Remember me.”

Now consider: is this what the thief on the cross was thinking when he said to Yeshua, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42)? Knowing he was answering for wicked deeds committed in life, he nevertheless appealed to God’s mercy and said, “Remember me. Please awaken me in the last day that I may be there to see the fulfillment of the promises made to ‘Your chosen ones’ and that I ‘may glory with Your inheritance.’” His request, motivated by a faith that acknowledged the One dying along side of him was the Savior of Israel, moved the Messiah to say, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).

That brings us to this concluding point: that great day we speak of is coming. Some may live to see the advent of the Kingdom without visiting the grave; some of us may be awakened from our rest when that day comes. Either way, all who desire to see that day must acknowledge the need for “His salvation” and that He would“remember” us when He comes into His kingdom.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill